Rummage RAMPage

The City of Ames, in partnership with the ISU Office of Sustainability, annually hosts “Rummage RAMPage,” a community sale designed to keep reusable items out of the waste stream. The event grew from the desire to repurpose items often left on the curb during the annual move out and lease changeovers, and to keep these items out of the landfill. Rummage RAMPage works by selling items that are donated. Non-profit agencies send volunteers to help run the sale and share in any profit. The event is open to anyone to donate or shop.

Because many leases in Ames terminate at the end of July, relocating ISU students and community members often discard items that may still be useable. 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 is a collaborative effort to pair unwanted items with others seeking low-cost options for furnishing a home.

Rummage RAMPage 2025

Rummage RAMPage 2024 will be Friday, July 25, to Saturday, Aug. 2.

• Friday, July 25 - DROP-OFF only; noon to 6 p.m.

• Saturday, July 26 - Sales and Drop-off, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sunday, July 27 - Sales and Drop-off, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Monday, July 28 to Friday, Aug. 1 - Sales and Drop-off; noon to 6 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 2 - No Drop-off and Half-price Sales, 8 a.m. to noon 

 NEW:  Did you donate and forget your Receipt of Donation form? We have 2024 forms available!

Ways to get involved with Rummage RAMPage

• Donate items. 

Do you have usable items to donate RIGHT NOW and can't wait? Remember, you can always donate usable items to area second-hand stores. Please contact them directly for donation information! 

• Spread the word!
  
  
• Support local organizations!
  

For more information about this event, please contact Mark Pebbler at 515.239.5137 or mark.pebbler@cityofames.org, Susan Gwiasda at susan.gwiasda@cityofames.org or 515..239.5204, Nolan Sagan at 515.239.5101 or nolan.sagan@cityofames.org or Merry Rankin at mrankin@iastate.edu

Rummage RAMPage History 

2016 (inaugural year)

44,000 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
$5,000 raised for local non-profit agencies

2017

77,520 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
$14,000 raised for local non-profit agencies

2018

102,550 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
$18,607 raised for local non-profit agencies

2019

116,424 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
$33,194 raised for local non-profit agencies

2020

Rummage RAMPage 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021

More than 90,000 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
More than $40,000 raised for local non-profit agencies

2022

143,838 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
More than $49,000 raised for local non-profit agencies
Rummage RAMPGE 2022 won the first ever Outstanding Waste Diversion Program and Video Award from the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations.

2023

154,843 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
More than $62,000 raised for local non-profit agencies

Rummage RAMPage 2023 had 47 participating volunteer organization

2024

132,782 pounds of furniture and housewares diverted from the landfill
More than $62,300 raised for local non-profit agencies

Rummage RAMPage 2023 had 51 participating volunteer organization

Where:

 Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave.

Questions? Send us an email:

Merry Rankin, Office of Sustainability, Iowa State University, 515.294.5052
Susan Gwiasda, Public Relations Office, City of Ames, 515.239.5204
Bill Schmitt, Resource Recovery Plant, City of Ames, 515.239.5137