In the past, if you were to drive by UT’s campus at the end of July, you’d see this.
Now, a collection of community organizations are trying to clean things up.
So what’s going on here?
Over 12,000 students live in off-campus housingin the area right next to UT (also referred to as the West Campus neighborhood). Many of their apartment leases end on July 31st, creating the perfect storm (from a waste perspective), as thousands of students are unable to transport their furniture back home with them.
The result? A whole lot of trash.
That’s why this year, the City of Austin has teamed up with Keep Austin Beautiful and the State of Texas Alliance For Recycling (STAR) to try something new – the [Re]Move and [Re]Use pilot program. From July 27th to August 1st, they’ll be working with several local nonprofit organizations to set up collection points in West Campus where students can drop off items to be reused.
Want to help be a part of the change?
If you’re a college student moving out of your apartment….
- Get organized – plan a little bit ahead so you know what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of
- Recycle – Use the city’s What Do I Do With? tool to figure out what can and can’t be recycled. Don’t just throw everything into one giant trash bag!
- Reuse – Have old books, clothes, furniture, kitchen supplies that you don’t want anymore? Donate them. That way you help someone in need and keep trash out of the landfill… all at the same time. There are two ways for you to donate:
- Use the Austin Reuse Directory – this online resource (created by AEN) will help you figure out where you can donate or sell your unwanted items
- Drop off your items at one of three drop-off locations near campus from July 27th to August 1st. Feeling unsure about what you can donate? Use this form (scroll down to the bottom of the linked page) to take a picture of your item and the Move Out ATX team will tell you whether or not it’s acceptable.
PS – Did we mention that dropping off your used items at one of the designated drop-off locations comes with some great perks? Several local businesses are offering rewards for anyone who donates. These include a free doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts, a free coffee at Spiderhouse, free small queso from Trudy’s, and a free breakfast taco from Wheatsville.
Plus, Amy’s Ice Creams, Juiceland, and Waterloo Sparkling Water will be on site handing out free goodies throughout the day.
If you’re a community member who’s passionate about zero waste…
