Prohibited items
SurplusED follows standard marketplace restrictions, adjusted for the realities of school surplus. Most educational equipment is welcome — the categories below are not, because they cannot change hands safely or legally through an open auction.
Listings are scanned at publish time, and high-confidence prohibited content is blocked before it goes live.
Signed-in users can report any listing for prohibited or misrepresented items directly from the listing page.
Our team reviews every report. Confirmed violations are removed, and completed sales of prohibited items are refunded in full.
Not allowed on SurplusED
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
Firearms, weapon parts, ammunition, and other regulated weapons.
Why: Regulated transfers require licensed dealer workflows that the marketplace does not provide.
- Controlled substances and prescription pharmaceuticals
Medications, nurse-office stock, and any controlled substance.
Why: Resale is illegal outside licensed pharmacy channels.
- Hazardous or regulated chemicals
Opened containers of any lab chemical, and DOT/EPA-regulated or hazmat-class materials.
Why: Transport and storage rules make safe handoff impossible to verify. Sealed, non-hazmat school chemistry stock is allowed — see below.
- Data-bearing devices without a verified wipe
Computers, copiers, phones, and drives that have not been wiped or had storage removed.
Why: Student and staff records create FERPA exposure. Sellers must attest devices are wiped or storage was removed.
- Recalled items
Playground equipment, lab stools, cribs, and anything under an active recall.
Why: Selling recalled products is prohibited under CPSC rules.
- Counterfeit or unlicensed branded goods
Knockoff equipment, apparel, or accessories.
Why: Counterfeit sales violate intellectual property law.
- Medical devices that require licensure
Prescription-class devices. Basic first-aid equipment and AEDs are fine.
Why: FDA device classes restrict who may own and resell them.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products
Including confiscated vape inventory.
Why: Age-restricted products cannot be sold through open auctions.
- Live animals
Classroom animals and animal products that require permits.
Why: Welfare and permit rules apply; classroom animals are rehomed, not auctioned.
- Perishable food
Cafeteria food stock of any kind.
Why: Food-safety liability. Cafeteria surplus must be equipment only.
Allowed with conditions
Unopened, manufacturer-sealed, non-hazmat chemicals typical of middle and high school chemistry programs are allowed. Opened containers and regulated or hazmat-class chemicals remain prohibited.
Vehicles, trailers, and boats are allowed. SurplusED's payment flow does not process title paperwork — the buyer and seller complete the title transfer directly during post-sale coordination, and sellers must disclose title status in the listing.
See something that shouldn't be listed?
Use the report option on any listing page and our team will review it. Questions about whether your surplus qualifies? Reach out before you list.