Harvard University Surplus Center MA 02134

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Harvey M

Corruption and Favoritism Have Taken Over — Harvard Surplus Center Is Not What It Used to Be I’m writing this out of real disappointment and frustration. The Harvard Surplus Center used to be a great community resource — open, fair, and full of interesting finds. But ever since the new manager took over around the COVID period, everything has gone downhill. What’s happening there now is nothing short of corruption and favoritism. Regular visitors often walk in and find nothing but junk, while the manager’s friends and so-called “volunteers” seem to have early or private access to all the good items — electronics, furniture, books, you name it. These same people are then reselling everything online and making money off what’s supposed to be Harvard’s surplus property. It’s an open secret at this point. The manager clearly abuses his position and discretionary power, creating a system where only his inner circle benefits. It’s completely unfair, unethical, and a disgrace to the idea of a public surplus program. The whole place feels rigged — if you’re not one of “them,” you’ll leave empty-handed every time. What’s worse is that these so-called volunteers aren’t helping out for the right reasons. They’re there for personal gain — free parking, early access, and a steady stream of valuable items to flip for cash. Harvard is basically enabling this behavior, whether intentionally or through sheer neglect. It’s really sad to see such a respected institution turn a blind eye to something so blatantly wrong. The Surplus Center desperately needs oversight and accountability — because right now, it’s operating like a private business for a few insiders, not a fair, community-based program.

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Alexander Moschella

I found a lightly used mattress for my apartment! And a couple boxes of expired annies mac and cheese! One of them still tasted pretty good. The folks there are so helpful and kind

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Patty Battle

Lots of trash. Incredibly rude shoppers. Took one book and left.