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Get the most interesting and important stories from the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ.Clutter for a Cause diverted a record 22K pounds of material from landfills
Each year during Clutter for a Cause, 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ students can donate items that would otherwise go to waste in the process of moving in and out of residence halls. The 2024 move-out event collected a record 22,460 pounds of materials like clothing, electronics, dorm room essentials and nonperishable food items that were diverted from landfills.
More than 11,000 pounds of materials — including 55 microwaves and 63 minifridges — have been resold or are slated for resale during the Reuse Rummage in August. Food and hygiene products (totaling 1,280 pounds) were donated to the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Pantry. The recycling of more than 9,000 pounds of other materials is managed by 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Surplus.
The events are organized by the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ EcoReps, Student Office of Sustainability, 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Surplus, 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Pantry, University of Thriftsburgh and the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Police. A next step for the managers is investigating specialty recycling options for mattress toppers on campus. Across 11 buildings, workers disposed of 637 toppers.