Remember the saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure?
Keeping that thought in mind, the University Recycling Department hopes students will think twice next time they head toward the dumpster.
During the move out period of May 3-11, the department will sponsor one of their biggest annual programs called "Chuck it for Charity."
The project is a way for University students to help decrease the huge amount of reusable materials found in landfills.
"During move out week people throw out so many things that could be so useful to another person," said first-year College student Elizabeth Cairns, who serves as her dorm's recycling coordinator. "And reusing is so much more energy efficient than recycling."
Throughout the week, five local nonprofit organizations will come to local housing areas and set up places for students to deposit their old things.
"People can deposit clothing, furniture, computer software, nonperishable food, electronic equipment or any other items that could be useful to others that they were planning to throw away," Cairns said. "Then the nonprofits will give the donations to the less fortunate."
If students need to get rid of things before the designated collection week, Cairns said they should call the recycling department 982-5050 or any of the five nonprofit organizations to come collect.
"The nonprofits have been really good about it," Cairns said. "Most of them are coming back to the program from previous years because it has been so successful."
Cairns stressed the importance of student involvement because the department programs depend on it.
"Our main focus is trying to increase student awareness," she said. "We will also be tabling on the Lawn the week before the project for publicity."
According to Cairns, this is one of the most successful projects that the recycling department does and a great way for students to help the Charlottesville community while preserving the environment at the same time.
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