In general, the present disclosure describes techniques for both removing memory buffers from and adding memory buffers to a list (e.g., a linked list) of available buffers, for use by a network device, without locking the list during access. One example method includes allocating a list of memory buffers that are each available for use by multiple modules executed within the network device, wherein the list includes a first end and a second, opposite end, and removing a first memory buffer from the first end of the list by a first module of the multiple modules without locking the list. The method further includes adding the first memory buffer to the second end of the list by a second module of the multiple modules without locking the list.