The best way to keep sampling sustainable and circular is when the vendor takes their samples back and reuses them for new sample requests. Always check with the vendor first. Spec Simple’s Close the Loop List is a great starting point for finding which vendors take back samples every time.
If the sample has writing on it or has been folded, the manufacturer may not be able to accept it. Our network of students and artists don’t mind though, and they are able to repurpose these high quality samples that the manufacturers are not able to reuse.
With our students and artists in mind, we do have a few guidelines to make sample pickup easy.
Please Donate:
All Samples 12”x12” or smaller
Decorative Glass
Fabric memos
Felt
Flooring (carpet, resilient, wood, etc)
Laminate Chips
Metal
Solid Surface
Stone
Tile
Veneer
Wall Covering
Wood
Not Accepted:
Books, binders or folios
Fabric chain sets
Large boards
Brick samples
Donated samples must fit in a copy paper box (approximately 11.5” W x 17” L x 10”H). The goal is to keep the box manageable for the student recipient, who is likely carrying this on foot. Keep box weight in mind (20-25 lbs max). Consider mixing materials within boxes to keep the box from becoming too heavy.
Don’t forget to add the label that indicates the sample type contents as you are boxing it up so it is ready for pickup!
Remember: Each box is a separate post. This gives students and artists more opportunities to claim the samples, and it keeps the flow of unneeded materials moving out of the materials library, instead of accumulating for an annual design library purge.