Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Equipment Donation

Q: Can I donate equipment that is broken, missing pieces or in need of some repair?

A: Seeding Labs can only accept scientific research equipment that has been decontaminated and is in good working condition. We cannot accept items that are broken, missing parts or needs to be refurbished.

Q: Can I donate consumables or glassware?

A: We do accept full, unopened cases of most types of consumables and glassware in clean, like new condition. Please visit here for a list of acceptable items.

Q: Can I donate computers?

A: Seeding Labs will only accept a computer if it is integral to a specific piece of research equipment and all the associated hardware and software is intact.

Q: Do you accept medical equipment?

A: We accept scientific research equipment for the life sciences; chemistry, biology, molecular biology, molecular biology. For a comprehensive list of acceptable donation items, please visit here.

Q: Does Seeding Labs collect office furniture or office supplies?

A: We do not accept office furniture or supplies.

Q: My equipment is really old, but it still works, will you take it?

A: It is not useful to send out-of-date equipment, even if it is still working. Scientists everywhere deserve reliable equipment on which to train their students and conduct their research. We can only accept certain very specific items that are older than our cutoff date. Find out how to assess the appropriateness of your equipment here. 

Q: I have the operating and repair manuals for the equipment that I wish to donate. Do you take them?

A: Yes! There is an ongoing need for both operating and repair manuals for the equipment. If you have those manuals, please do include them with your donation so we can continue to build our manual library.

Q: I am not sure what we have. Can someone come to my lab and decide what you do and do not want?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible for Seeding Labs to visit each donor to determine which items are acceptable for donation and which items are not. Read about what items can be donated and download the list of urgently needed items.

Q: I completed all the necessary paperwork. How quickly can Seeding Labs collect my donation?

A: Seeding Labs will schedule the collection with one of our carriers within 72 hours after receipt of all the necessary paperwork. Collections are generally made within 5 working days. If your item(s) have been approved for donation, you can package the equipment and ship it directly to the following address: Seeding Labs c/o Gentle Giant Moving Co., 29 Harding St. Somerville, MA 02143.

Q: Do you accept chemical or reagents?

A: We cannot accept chemicals or reagents for shipment overseas.

Q: Is my donation tax deductible?

A: Not only is your donation tax deductible, but your organization also reduces its storage and disposal costs by donating surplus items to Seeding Labs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving Equipment

Q: Who can receive equipment?

A: You must be a public university located in a low-to-middle income country. We cannot currently accept applications from independent or national research institutions, primary or secondary schools, medical clinics, or private companies. We do not provide equipment to private individuals or institutions in the United States.

Q: How much equipment can Seeding Labs provide?

A: Seeding Labs’ typical shipments are 20 foot shipping containers. The minimum size of a shipment is 2 pallets.

Q: How much equipment fits in a shipping container?

A: A 20 foot shipping container holds enough equipment for a university department, or 5-10 individual research labs (depending on the size of the labs and the sizes of specific pieces of equipment.)

Q: What equipment can Seeding Labs provide?

A: We specialize in equipment for biological and chemical sciences. We currently do not have equipment for most engineering applications, medical testing or clinical care.

Q: How much will the equipment cost?

A: Institutions receiving equipment from Seeding Labs must cover the costs of transportation and shipping, and a handling fee proportional to the fair market value of the equipment. A 20 foot container shipment represents shipping and handling costs of equal or less than $50,000 for equipment valued at over $200,000.

Q: Where does the equipment come from? What condition is it in?

A: Seeding Labs works with universities, hospitals, life sciences companies and manufacturers to source gently-used or new equipment as well as unused disposable supplies. We test every piece of equipment to ensure that it works and will alert the receiving scientists of any limitations of equipment before they decide to include it in their shipment. We will not send equipment older than 6 years or damaged equipment.

Q: Can Seeding Labs provide spare parts or reagents for the equipment?

A: We cannot provide you with reagents. We may be able to provide spare parts for certain items with advance notice.

Q: Who handles shipping and customs?

A: We rely on receiving institutions to determine all required customs procedures and paperwork and to cover any import duties on equipment. We will comply with any paperwork that is required of us, and ensure that US export requirements are met. We typically ship by sea freight.