Volunteers needed during University Residence Halls move-out

Volunteers salvage usable material from a discarded futon during last year’s University Residence Halls move-out. Division of University Housing

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 say goodbye sustainably to 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 material that ends up in landfills as a result of move-out. From May 7–14, recycling/donation locations will be set up near residence halls throughout both the Lakeshore and Southeast neighborhoods to allow residents and their families to easily place items into appropriate containers.

In 2015, more than 140 volunteers provided more than 600 hours of staffing at donation/recycling locations. In total, volunteers helped to divert 104,300 pounds of material from the landfill by directing items into appropriate areas and answering questions. Items donated, 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, carpet, electronics and plastic bag recycling
Futon and microwave repurposing

You can help us do even better this year! If you are able, please consider volunteering as a recycling guide during move-out to actively support sustainability on campus.

What will I 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

How can I sign up?

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 at laura.shere@housing.wisc.edu or call 608-262-5537.