As the end of the semester quickly approaches, the UW–Madison Division of University Housing is asking for volunteers to help residents and their families properly recycle and donate unwanted items.
With more than 7,400 students preparing to move out of the university residence halls, it adds up to a lot of items!
Each year, University Housing partners with UW–Madison students, faculty, staff, and several campus and community organizations to reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills as a result of move-out. From May 6-13, recycling and donation locations will be located near residence halls to allow residents and their families convenient access to donation and recycling opportunities.
In 2016, over 170 volunteers provided more than 600 hours of staffing at donation/recycling locations. Volunteers helped to divert over 105,000 pounds of material from the landfill by helping residents donate and recycle items. Common items donated and recycled include:
- Books donated to the Badger Caring Closet to support low income students and St. Vincent de Paul
- Nonperishable food given to the Open Seat campus food pantry and St. Vincent de Paul food pantry
- Furniture and clothing donated to St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill
- Mattresses, TVs, and area rugs donated to the Salvation Army
- Metal, carpet, electronics, and plastic bag recycling
- Futon and microwave donations to the campus community and various non-profits
If you are able, please consider volunteering as a recycling guide during move out to actively support sustainability on campus.
What Will I Do?
- Staff a recycling site for a two hour shift at a location that is convenient for you; staff more than one if you like
- Assist with sorting items at each location: donations, metal, carpet, electronics, futons
- De-construct unusable futons
- Organize donation containers
- Answer questions, study, read, or relax
How Can I Sign Up?
Sign up for shifts online! You will then receive confirmation of your shift(s) and a recycling guide for your site via email. Have questions or need more information? E-mail Breana Nehls or call 608-262-5537.