Volunteers needed during residence halls move-out

As more than 7,400 students prepare to move out of the university residence halls, the UW–Madison Division of University Housing is asking for volunteers to help residents and their families repurpose or recycle items they no longer need.

Each year, University Housing partners with UW–Madison students, faculty, staff and several campus and community organizations to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills as a result of move-out. From May 9–16, recycling/donation locations will be near residence halls throughout both the Lakeshore and Southeast neighborhoods to allow residents and their families to easily place items into appropriate containers.

In 2014, more than 130 volunteers provided more than 400 hours of staffing at trash/recycling locations. In total, volunteers helped divert 86,650 pounds of waste from the landfill by directing items into appropriate areas and answering questions. Items reused and recycled include:

• Books donated to Rotary International and sent to Africa
• Nonperishable food given to the local food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul
• Furniture and room belongings donated to St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill
• Metal, carpeting, electronics and plastic bags
• Futons and microwaves

If you are able, please consider volunteering as a recycling guide during move-out to help keep our campus beautiful.

What will you do?

• Staff a recycling site for a two-hour shift at a location that is convenient for you; staff more than one if you like
• Assist with sorting items at each location: donations, metal, carpet, electronics, futons
• De-construct unusable futons
• Organize donation containers
• Answer questions, study, read or relax

You can sign up for shifts online. You will then receive confirmation of your shift(s) and a recycling guide for your site via email. Have questions or need more information? Email Laura Shere or call 608-509-8053.

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