Badger Reclaim
Badger Reclaim supports students by promoting a more sustainable way of living; collecting items no longer needed and redistributing them to fellow Badgers; transforming unwanted goods into resources.
This initiative is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Office of Student Financial Aid, University Housing, and Mad City Moving. Each team works diligently to support student success and reduce waste in our community.
Large Claim: Update
All items have been reserved! If you weren’t able to claim something this round, don’t worry: our Pop-Up Shop is coming Thursday, September 3rd.
11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (or until supplies last) at the Basketball Courts outside Sellery Hall.
The Process
Donating
Have any gently or unused items you don’t need or can’t justify taking with you in your move into the next semester? We will gladly take the load off your hands!
By contributing items to this donation process, you are not only supporting sustainable living by limiting waste and repurposing household items, but you are also supporting your community and fellow students’ needs.
Review the “What to Expect for Spring 2026” for details on how to donate.
*Note: Only UW–Madison students are eligible to donate
Claiming
Looking to furnish your space without breaking the bank?
Badger Reclaim is here for you! We’ve gathered gently used household items donated by fellow students to help ease financial stress and make your space feel more like home.
This is a great opportunity to reclaim useful items, practice sustainable living, and be part of a community that looks out for one another.
Claim Requirements
How To Claim
It’s simple. Review eligibility requirements, as well as the two options to claim items. Share any questions with the team: basic.needs@finaid.wisc.edu.
Keep in mind, the claimed items will be first come and first serve. For larger items, only the items listed on the website are available.
Student Requirements
These requirements are important to ensure that your claim request can be fulfilled.
- Must be an active, enrolled student in the Fall 2026 semester
- For large claims process, maintain active communication with the Basic Needs team
Claim Large Items
Large items be available through the claims form. Examples include microwaves, office chairs, headboards, and similar oversized pieces.
- Scroll down on this page and review available items. Items are across 6 different categories.
- Claim up to 3 available items from any combination for Chairs, Furniture, Headboards, and Miscellaneous. If available and of interest, claim one plastic drawer unit and one microwave too.
- Once you find an item you’d like to claim, make note of its Item Number. You’ll need this number when submitting the claim form. We also recommend identifying a backup item and noting its Item Number in case your first choice has already been claimed.
- Complete the Claim Item Request Form (linked below) to claim one to five items.
- The Basic Needs Team will review the Request form the week of August 10 – 14th. The review will ensure the items are still available and the submitter is an eligible student.
- The Basic Needs Team will send a confirmation email of the items claimed and follow-up with delivery/pick-up options.
Claim up to 3 available items from any combination of these categories:
Chairs
Example items: office chairs, couches, benches, etc.
Furniture
Example items: Mirrors, dressers, desk hutches, rolling carts.
Headboards
Example items: Twin, Full and Queen size headboards.
Miscellaneous
Example items: Trash Can, Mini Fridge, Mirror, TV
Plus, claim one from each of these categories:
Plastic Drawers
Small to Large Plastic Storage drawers. Single drawers to 3 tiered storage.
Microwave
Microwaves have been tested and cleaned. Picture does not represent brand; rather examples microwaves.
Large Item Request Form
Are you getting an error message that looks like this?
Don’t worry – open an “Incognito Browser”
How to Open an Incognito Browser
Google Chrome: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and select “New Incognito Window”
Safari: Click File in the top menu bar and select New Private Window
Pop-Up Shop
Swing by our Badger Reclaim Pop‑Up and score totally free, gently used essentials. It’s sustainable, budget‑friendly, and fun to see what treasures you’ll find. Grab what you need, lighten your financial load, and help keep good stuff out of the landfill: all in one quick stop.
Save the Date:
Thursday, September 3rd
11:00am – 5:00pm (while supplies last)
The Basketball Courts @ Sellery Hall
Rain Location: Symphony Room; Gordon Dining & Events
What to Expect for Spring 2026
When to Donate
Friday, May 1 to Tuesday, May 5: 10am-2pm Wednesday, May 6 to Saturday, May 9: 9am-4pm
What to Donate
Gently used or unused storage containers, desk organizers, lamps, shower caddy, fans, mirrors, foot stools, and chairs. Learn more about Housing’s Sustainable Move Out Program below!
Sponsoring Partners
