Every year, over 8,000 students move out of the University Residence Halls along with the many items that helped their hall feel like home. Through collaboration with 21+ campus and community partners, Housing helps residents and their families say goodbye sustainably to items they no longer need. Sustainable Move Out diverts waste from the landfill, educates event participants on sustainable behaviors, and supports the goals of campus and community donation partners.
What Can be Donated or Recycled?
Donations
- Futons, furniture, and rugs in good condition
- Books
- School supplies
- Nonperishable food
- General (clothes, shoes, housewares)
- Pillows
- Microwaves
- Working electronics
Recycling
- Plastic bags
- Metal
- Broken electronics
- Broken wood or metal futons
- Unwanted carpet, pillows & mattress toppers
- Recycling (cans, glass, mixed paper, cardboard, & plastic containers #1-7)
Impact
In 2023, 207 volunteers worked to divert over 150,146 pounds of material from the landfill! Of those 207 volunteers, over 90% were students. UW–Madison students and staff are dedicated to living sustainably!
