Is there an actual warehouse to view City-owned items?
No, there is no physical warehouse. The Virtual Warehouse is a web-based program with an online inventory of items, like Craigslist. The Virtual Warehouse is currently hosted on the Rheaply Platform.
Who can request items from the Virtual Warehouse?
City and County of San Francisco City Departments, schools, and non-profit organizations. To sign up for the Rheaply Platform read the instructions here: Explore the Virtual Warehouse
Can items from the Virtual Warehouse be purchased for personal or home use?
No, items on the Virtual Warehouse are not for sale and cannot be used for personal use. All items acquired from the Virtual Warehouse must be used for the public good.
What happens after I post an item onto the Virtual Warehouse?
City Departments must keep their surplus items at their location and keep track of where they are stored.
If the item is reusable and there are requests for your item, please coordinator with the party to pick-up/deliver that item so that it may be reused.
If the item is broken or in questionable condition, the VW Team will give you further instructions on how to recycle or properly dispose of it.
How descriptive do I need to be on the Virtual Warehouse?
The more details the better, and a photo is the best! When there is a clear description, it helps the user understand what kind of item best fits their needs.
Rheaply also has a built in generative AI feature to help fill out descriptions. But please remember the city’s recommended guidelines of the use of generative AI: Guidance for City staff using generative AI tools
How long do I need to post my items on the Virtual Warehouse?
Virtual Warehouse policy requires items in reusable condition to be posted for a minimum of 30 days.
The more time your items are posted, the more likely the items can be redistributed to another City department or donated to a non-profit organization. Contact the VW Team at [email protected] as soon as you know that you will no longer need an item.
What do I do with broken City furniture and computer equipment?
Turn it into the Virtual Warehouse. This program accepts working items, as well as broken furniture, items with missing parts, and obsolete computer equipment.
The VW Team will provide further instructions on how to properly recycle or disposal methods. Discarding electronic or any hazardous items in the trash is illegal.
What if my City Department does not have a vehicle pool for transportation?
City employees can reserve city vehicles through Fleet Management / Central Shops. Contact (628) 652-5600 or [email protected]
What if I cannot find an item I need for my department?
Continue to check the available listings. Departments can post on the Virtual Warehouse any day, and the listings are automatically updated.
If you must buy new items, please explore the SF Approved List for green options.