Rummage RAMPage Raises More Than $49,000; Diverts Tons from Landfill; Helps Non-Profits

The sixth annual Rummage RAMPage, a community rummage sale designed to keep reusable items out of the waste stream, surpassed previous years in landfill diversion totals and proceeds generated. The event, which was held over nine days, found new homes for more than 143,838 pounds of furniture and housewares, and raised just over $49,000 for local non-profit agencies.

Rummage RAMPage increased proceeds by almost $10,000 compared to results from 2021 and diverted 51,712 more pounds (almost 26 tons) from the landfill.

"Rummage RAMPage was an amazing success this year. We saw increases in donations, purchases, and volunteers," said Merry Rankin, ISU Sustainability Director and City of Ames Sustainability Coordinator. "It's overwhelming to see the community embrace this event and to see that support grow each year is truly inspirational."

The City of Ames, in partnership with the ISU Office of Sustainability, held the sale from July 29 to Aug. 6 at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave. The event spanned two weekends to better meet the needs of those moving into new apartments. Forty-one non-profit groups sent dozens of volunteers to staff the event and shared the profits based on the number of hours of donated labor.

Because many leases in Ames terminate at the end of July, relocating ISU students and community members often discard items that may still be usable. During these weeks, the City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant (RRP) often sees an influx of couches, wooden furniture, clothing, and more as renters attempt to meet their move-out requirements. At the same time, new students moving in are often in need of furniture and household essentials. Rummage RAMPage provides an opportunity to pair unwanted items with others seeking low-cost options for furnishing a home.

Residents could donate furniture and housewares to the event through the second-to-last day. The last day of the event was a half-price day. Donations accepted at the event included couches, futons, bed frames, chairs, tables, desks, coffee tables, small electronics, lamps, toasters, microwaves, blenders, fans, plates, silverware, glasses, pots/pans, baking sheets, miscellaneous utensils, and other housewares. For the fourth time, Rummage RAMPage also included a section for rare and unique finds such as antiques and collectibles.

Due to the success of the event, organizers are already planning to hold a Rummage RAMPage 2023. The dates have been set for Friday, July 28 through Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Watch the City of Ames website for details about next year's event at www.cityofames.org/RummageRAMPage.