Inside Iowa State

May 21, 2009

Residence hall coordinator Keith Papin sorts through donated food items from departing Maple-Willow-Larch residents. Two carloads of unopened, nonperishable items were taken from MWL to the Mid-Iowa Community Action food pantry. Photo by Bob Elbert.

Abandoned items avoid landfill

by Erin Rosacker

The residence department and Central Stores partnered again this spring to offer a program that encouraged students to recycle abandoned furniture, food and clothes as they moved off campus at semester's end. Designated drop-off locations were established in residence halls and apartments, making it just as easy -- if not easier -- for students to leave items at donation spots, rather than in dumpsters.

Hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food items were collected and donated to the Bethesda and Mid-Iowa Community Action food pantries in Ames. Norm Hill, central stores manager, said three Central Stores trucks packed with clothing, furniture and miscellaneous items were taken to the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores in Ames. He estimated his crews transported 1,600 to 2,000 pounds of clothing, in addition to an assortment of futons, printers, microwaves, chairs and other items.

"The tremendous growth in collections from our first to second year of 'ReCycling' is wonderful," said Pete Englin, director of residence. "Students appear to be getting into the rhythm of how to do this. We expect next year to be even bigger as we share our passion and commitment to keep items out of the landfill!"

Live Green!

More information on Iowa State's "Live Green!" initiative is online.

"The tremendous growth in collections from our first to second year of 'ReCycling' is wonderful. Students appear to be getting into the rhythm of how to do this. We expect next year to be even bigger as we share our passion and commitment to keep items out of the landfill!"

Pete Englin, director of residence