ASU students to 'Ditch the Dumpster' on Earth Day
Arizona State University students across all campuses are being asked to “Ditch the Dumpster” by donating their unwanted items from campus residence halls instead of throwing them away.
The event kicks off on April 22 for Earth Day and continues through May 10. Sun Devils have participated in the donation event every year since 2008.
Donated and recyclable items not only are distributed to area children and families via community partners and local non-profits, but also are diverted from area landfills.
Ditch the Dumpster collaboration among ASU and community partners includes:
• ASU Facilities Development and Management
• ASU Parking and Transit
• ASU Recycling Program
• Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability
• University Housing
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
• Goodwill
“Goodwill returns as a standout community partner this year, and we also will work with Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Alana Levine, ASU Recycling Program manager. “Both organizations support our mission to divert waste from the landfill and support local children and families who can benefit from household and clothing items our students no longer need.”
Students can clean out their residence halls and deliver most items to Big Brothers Big Sisters collection boxes. Larger, unwanted items can be brought to locations across all four ASU campuses. Items accepted during the Ditch the Dumpster event include:
• books, hangers, and storage bins
• clothing, shoes, and accessories
• furniture: lamps, chairs and egg-crate mattress pads
• larger appliances and electronics (usable or not)
• linens, drapery, towels, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals
• smaller household goods
• tightly-closed detergents or cleansers
• unopened, nonperishable food
“We hope to exceed the 156,860 pounds of stuff that was donated, repurposed or recycled last year,” said Katie Schumacher, ASU Recycling Program technician. “Everyone is asked to fill blue bins with all other types of recyclable materials.”
For a list of drop-off locations, visit moveout.asu.edu and look for “donation locations.” Visit recycle.asu.edu for lists of recyclable items and email ASU Recycling program staff with all Ditch the Dumpster and recycling questions.