The University Record, May 6, 1997
Move-out a boon for local agencies
By Erica Spiegel
Grounds and Waste Management
Ramen noodles, instant oatmeal, old sweaters, socks, toaster ovens, soap, canned spaghetti and carpets are just some of the items typically left behind during Student Move-Out. East year, Grounds and Waste Management collects nearly 160 tons of trash, recyclables and re-usable items from the U-M’s 15 residence halls.
Nearly 7,000 pounds of clothes, 2,800 pounds of food and 2,300 pounds of household items are taken to the North Campus Service Garage where representatives of area community agencies salvage what they can use. Leftover loft wood is turned into chips and used for landscaping or as industrial furnace fuel.
Canned vegetables, microwave popcorn, macaroni and cheese, chicken noodles soup, and lots of ramen noodles are shared among several agencies including The Shelter Association of Ann Arbor, Food Gatherers and Safe House. Opened packages of food are put to good use by an organization that rehabilitates and feeds injured wildlife.
Clothing, including bathrobes, blankets, slippers and night clothes, is used by Ann Arbor’s homeless shelters. Project SERVE salvages bedding, curtains and drapes for use in its bedroll project for the homeless. Any remaining bags of clothing and textiles are picked up by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation Inc., an organization assisting combat-wounded veterans that is supported by the sale of donated household discards.
The additional paper collected from residence halls at year’s end includes stacks of notebooks, magazines, course packs and old notes. All mixed scrap paper is collected and added to the University’s recycling efforts.
