Closing the Loop on Waste: How Student Waste Becomes a Community Resource

Sustainability Partnerships Kate Johnson, Associate Director for Community Service Dave Robertson, Director of Student Programs

Dont Throw it Away & The Big Sale REDUCE the amount of waste produced by students during move- out GENERATE capital for non-profit organizations to perform energy upgrades EDUCATE about the environmental effects of waste and consumption

DTiA & The BIG Sale Student Advocacy- Program began in 2000 by student Natalie McKnight Community Resource- local non- profits apply for grant funding to perform energy upgrades on facilities-proceeds have helped fund: – Attic and basement insulation – Energy efficient appliances, windows – Rewiring – solar thermal and solar PV installations

Dont Throw it Away (DTiA) 8-10 day collection effort Designated locations in each residence hall for donations Signage around dumpsters- massive educational effort in res halls and on campus 400 volunteers logging around 1000 volunteer hours- faculty, staff, and students- community partners also required to log volunteer hours Local restaurants donate food for volunteers

Materials Collected Clothing/Shoes Furniture Small Electronics Bedding and Towels Carpets and Rugs Office and School Supplies Toiletries Non-perishable food items Fun Stuff (toys, games, sports, etc…)

Dont Throw it Away (DTiA) Materials stored in Legends facility over summer Management Perspective- Approx. 100 hours – Committee members – Student meetings – Collaborative meetings- UH and ACT – Personal contact- Student Programs, Legends, Physical Plant, etc…

The BIG Sale Items sold at discounted costs Held the Saturday of move in weekend 150 volunteers logging 900 hours

Over the Years last 4 years – 257 tons of material diverted – $70,000 has been raised $120,000 has been raised in 13 years Lots of returning customers and items

Questions? Jennifer Maxwell Resource Conservation Specialist Office of Sustainability Ged Moody University Sustainability Director Office of Sustainability Kate Johnson Assoc. Director for Community Service Student Programs