ASU students collect more than 105,000 pounds during spring Ditch the Dumpster

Arizona State University students collected more than 105,000 pounds of reusable or recyclable items during the spring 2016 Ditch the Dumpster move-out event. Each year, students in ASU residence halls donate or recycle unwanted items instead of throwing them away to help benefit local organizations and families in need.

• Diverted and recycled: 57,000 pounds of material
• Donated: 48,000 pounds including clothing, electronics, furniture, household goods and toiletries

The spring move-out efforts began on Earth Day (April 22) and ran through May 8. Donation boxes and collection bins were located in residence halls at the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe and West campuses. Two Tempe campus residence halls — Vista Del Sol and Villas at Vista Del Sol — were added as collection locations this year.

All donated items were distributed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Epic Thrift and Goodwill of Central Arizona.

“Year after year, students make a difference in someone else’s life by donating items to community members in need,” said Katie Schumacher, ASU Zero Waste senior program coordinator. “We look forward to fall move-in, when students have yet another opportunity to support the local community and divert waste.”

During the fall, students moving into residence halls are also asked to “Ditch the Dumpster” by recycling cardboard, Styrofoam and other packaging materials.

“We also were fortunate this year to have good media coverage that builds awareness about the impact of student recycling and donation efforts,” Schumacher added.

This year’s event was featured in these news outlets and publications:

•  KSAZ - FOX 10
•  KJZZ
•  Waste 360
•  Downtown Devil

For more information about Ditch the Dumpster, visit ditchthedumpster.asu.edu.