University of Michigan’s Initiative Significantly Reduces Waste During Student Move-Out and Events
The University of Michigan has made impressive strides in waste reduction, collecting over 32,000 pounds of reusable goods during the spring student move-out while limiting landfill waste to a mere 217 pounds at major commencement events. This initiative is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across campus.
The university’s collection efforts targeted a broad range of items, including clothing, bedding, shoes, household goods, and food. These materials, instead of ending up in landfills, were redirected to campus programs and local charities, offering a sustainable solution and supporting community needs.
Remarkably, six key events, including the university’s commencement ceremonies, which drew approximately 9,500 attendees, achieved a waste diversion rate exceeding 90%. During these gatherings, 1,850 pounds of compost were collected, contributing to the zero-waste efforts.
“Many of the items students leave behind still have a lot of usable life left in them,” said Alison Richardson, program manager with the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation. “By collecting and redistributing those materials, we can reduce waste while supporting students and local organizations.”
This initiative is not new to U-M. For over 25 years, the university has conducted donation collections during student move-out, aiming to keep reusable goods from landfills while aiding students and community groups. The current effort marked the largest collection yet, with 16.2 tons of various goods gathered.
The donations comprised 5.6 tons of clothing, 4.7 tons of bedding, 4.4 tons of household items, 0.9 tons of shoes, and 0.6 tons of food and personal care products. These items were distributed through campus initiatives and local nonprofits such as the Planet Blue Student Leaders’ FreeStore, University Career Center Clothes Closet, and the Maize and Blue Cupboard, as well as several local charities.
Volunteers from various campus sustainability groups, including Student Life Sustainability and the Graham Sustainability Institute, played pivotal roles in sorting and organizing these donations. Some items will be stored over the summer for redistribution at fall FreeStore events, promoting ongoing circulation of usable materials.
The Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation is exploring new partnerships to enhance their waste reduction and reuse efforts during student move-in and across campus. “We are excited to see items that every incoming student needs, such as bedding, curtains, lamps and organizers, go back into the hands of incoming students,” said Elliott Weed, a Student Life circular economy operations intern.
U-M’s commitment to waste reduction extends to graduation events, where zero-waste guidelines were followed rigorously. By using compostable or reusable serviceware and minimizing plastic packaging, the university further reduced landfill contributions. This effort was supported by collaborations among various university departments and caterers.
“Michigan Dining is committed to sustainability,” emphasized Kenzie Winslow, sustainability assistant program manager with Michigan Dining. “All of our services follow zero-waste practices by avoiding items such as plastic wrappers and using compostable or reusable serviceware.”
Michigan Catering, along with other partners, supported various school receptions by adhering to zero-waste principles. “I am grateful for the partnerships of the caterers and event planners who make the effort to follow zero-waste principles at these events,” said Nicole Berg, program manager with the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation. This collaboration has been crucial in minimizing the material sent to landfills during significant campus events.
