OIT is now offering a simplified way for campus departments to return and repurpose university-owned computer hardware. This program makes it easy for CU Boulder faculty and staff to return equipment while following university guidelines.
Faculty and staff can now drop off computer equipment at the Buff Techs office, the Computing Center or with your Dedicated Desktop Support technician. OIT will complete the necessary property services forms and tags, and will securely store the equipment until Property Services picks up the equipment. Proceeds from the sale of computers returned through OIT will be pooled to fund a new pilot program to cover the cost of a limited number of computers for lecturers who are not eligible for the Faculty Computer Purchase Program. You can learn more about these programs in the FAQ below.
You can still return computer equipment directly to Property Services if preferred. The OIT process is ideal for single computers and for departments without an established equipment return process. For large or high-value returns, departments should contact Property Services directly. More information is available on the Property Services website under the How to Surplus CU Owned Items heading.
Three ways to return end-of-life computing equipment through OIT:
- Dedicated Desktop Support customers: Make an appointment through the DDS request portal.
- Main Campus: Drop off at the Buff Techs CASE building location.
- East Campus: Make an appointment to drop off at the Computing Center (COMP).
Acceptable Equipment
- Laptops*
- Desktops
- iPads/tablets*
- Phones*
- Hard drives
- Monitors
- Desktop printers
- Miscellaneous peripherals (keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams)
- Projectors
- Associated charger/provided cables
*For Apple devices, please sign out of iCloud and remove activation lock before returning.
Equipment/Supplies that will NOT be accepted and should be disposed of separately through Property Services:
- Other E-waste (batteries or other items not associated with computing or AV equipment)
- Hazardous materials
- Lab equipment
- Furniture
- Office supplies
- Capital assets including capital IT equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue to follow my unit's process or go directly through Property Services to return equipment?
Yes. This OIT-enabled return process is best suited for individual returns and departments that don’t have a process already established for returning computers through Property Services. Departments should consider utilizing Property Services directly for the return of a large number of or high-value devices. Please consult your unit's surplus manager and reference Property Services for more info.
What if I have a large amount of equipment that I would like to have picked up somewhere on campus?
Please work with Property Services, see more info under Moving & Hauling.
Will my department directly receive any of the funds from the sale of the equipment through this program?
No. Proceeds from the sale of an individual working computer returned to Property Services are typically quite small. Any proceeds from this program will be pooled and used to provide funding to provide lecturers, who are ineligible for the Faculty Computer Purchase Program, with secure computers that work with classroom technology set-ups. An application process for a limited number of lecturers will be defined and announced prior to FY26.
If you believe you have equipment that has significant value, we encourage you to work directly with Property Services to return it.
Can I drop off a non-university owned device?
No, please only return university-owned equipment.
How is university-owned computing equipment defined?
University ownership of property is defined by APS 6001 which says: all IT resources acquired or created through the use of university resources , including grant funds from contracts between the university and external funding sources, are property of the university.
Are computers purchased for sponsored projects required to be returned through university-approved processes?
Yes. Computing devices cannot be kept at the end of a sponsored project and their return and repurposing must comply with university procedures regarding property. Learn more.
Why must university-owned computing equipment be returned to Property Services?
Retaining older devices presents hackers with more ways to access your data and creates a support burden that comes with maintaining older devices. In order to ensure that all data is properly removed from university-owned computing devices, campus policy states that Property Services must administer that process. This OIT-enabled disposal process ensures this campus requirement.
Isn’t it better to extend the life of an older computer by passing it along to another employee or grad assistant?
The older a computer is, the less likely it can run currently supported software which can create security vulnerabilities. All employees who are handling university data should have computers purchased through CU Marketplace to ensure they have the appropriate tools to do their job—whether teaching, research, or administrative duties. Older computers are also more difficult to support, requiring more time and resources from campus IT professionals.
Can I get help saving my data from my devices before I return them?
Yes, Dedicated Desktop support customers can request data saving help by creating a ticket through the DDS Service Request Portal. If you do not have DDS support, you can make an appointment with the Buff Techs to save your data. Additionally, Research Computing offers consultations regarding archival of research data. These groups can help you determine the best options for storing your data. Also, please reference the CU Boulder Records Retention Schedule and consider deleting data appropriately and not storing indefinitely.
What if a computer I need for my teaching or research uses legacy software which cannot be updated in support of an expensive piece of hardware?
As part of the exception process, OIT Security will work with the requestor to review the capability for compensating controls (e.g., network disablement/isolation) to minimize the risk of using legacy software. Exceptions will be granted on an individual request basis and, if a compelling business reason exists, must be approved by the Provost and Executive COO in consultation with the Sr. AVC/CIO. Visit the Computer Standard Exception Process page for a detailed description of the process as well as the necessary forms to fill out.
How do I know if my computer is end-of-life?
To understand if you need to transition to a newer computer and dispose of your old device appropriately, please visit OIT’s Software Lifecycle page.
Where do I go if I need a new computer?
If you are faculty, go to the Faculty Computer Purchase Program page to learn how to purchase a new computer. Staff can learn more about purchasing a computer on the Secure Computing page.
