Fall Trash-to-Treasure Drive Aids Local Charities
The Office of Sustainability and Benchmarking coordinated the fall 2016 Trash-to-Treasure program that allows students to easily and responsibly dispose of any unwanted items as they move out of their residence halls.
From December 2 to 13, cardboard collection bins were placed in the foyers of De Mattias, Marchetti East and West, Marguerite, Village and Spring halls. Students placed used clothing, furniture, appliances, toiletries, non-perishable food and cleaning supplies in the bins. All items were donated to St. Vincent de Paul, Campus Kitchen and Stray Rescue.
Overall, 641 pounds were collected, including 80 pounds of food that will be repurposed by Campus Kitchen. The recycled items are estimated to be worth more than $800.
Be on the look-out for Trash-to-Treasure tents and bins during spring move-out. Since 2012 the spring program has successfully collected an estimated 50,000 pounds of goods donated to area nonprofits. Last year approximately 10,450 pounds of goods were collected for reuse.
Trash-to-Treasure is made possible by hard working volunteers who sort and transport items with support from the Office of Sustainability and Benchmarking, the Center for Service and Community Engagement, Housing and Residence Life, and Facilities Services.