Oregon State University
OP-T2-43: Move-Out Waste Reduction

Starting in 2007 a campus wide initiative to reduce move-in and move-out waste was started. This group brings together Campus Recycling, Surplus Property, and University Housing and Dining Services in a coordinated effort to reduce move-in and move-out waste.

The annual Res. Hall Move-Out Donation Drive runs May through June. Marketing begins approximately one month in advance of move-out week. Each residence hall room received a move-out kit, which included a door hanger with details on how to donate and recycle unwanted materials, along with bags in which to sort their material in their room. Labeled donation bins were located in every res. hall lobby, along with all the recycle bins.

While a small portion of the donations go to the OSUsed Store to recoup the costs of the donation drive, the majority went to local nonprofits. In 2012, the following donation materials were collected and processed:
7,932 lbs. of housewares
5,252 lbs. of clothing, linens and shoes
4,421 lbs. of reusable scrap wood
2,517 lbs. of food, toiletries and school supplies

The 20,122 total pounds collected was up from 17,558 in 2011 and 11,651 in 2010.

A recap of the 2012 Donation Drive is detailed in this blog post: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/businessservices/2012/06/27/recyclingsurplus-students-give-over-10-tons-to-nonprofits-during-move-out/