Every year over 7,800 students move out of the University Residence Halls, along with the many items that helped their hall feel like home. Through collaboration with 12 campus and community partners, Housing helps residents and their families say goodbye sustainably to items they no longer need. Sustainability Move Out diverts waste from the landfill, educates event participants on sustainable behaviors, and supports the goals of campus and community donation partners.
How It Works
Housing provides 10 collection sites where residents and their families can recycle and donate unwanted items. Volunteers monitor these sites, deconstruct futons for recycling, and organize donations over the 8-day move out period.
Common items donated and recycled include:
- Books donated to St. Vincent de Paul and Roteract-UW
- Nonperishable food given to the Open Seat campus food pantry and St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry
- Furniture and clothing donated to St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill
- Metal, carpet, electronics, and plastic bag recycling
- Futons, microwaves, and area rugs donated to the community and various non profits
Impact
In 2019, 142 volunteers worked to divert over 126,000 pounds of material from the landfill! 60% of the total 608 volunteer hours came from students; of those students, 67% received course credit as they put their learning into practice during Sustainability Move Out.
