Boston University
IN-3: Innovation 3

In order to reduce waste during the move-out period, Boston University has partnered with Goodwill Industries since spring 2010. The program gives students the opportunity to donate unwanted goods to Goodwill during the last month of the academic year. Collection bins are placed in fifteen convenient locations throughout campus so that students may have easy access to drop-off areas. Goodwill collects clothing and other goods from each location and then sells those items in stores to support important local job training and youth programs. Goodwill, not Landfill is now implemented at the end of each semester to capture all the good stuff students leave behind when they move out of their dorms. The Goodwill, not landfill sustainability@BU move-out program diverted 43.8 tons of good stuff from landfills in 2011 (41.1 tons in spring and 2.6 in fall). Since May 2009 this program has diverted 89.2 tons of clothing, electronics, and housewares from the landfill. Donating clothing and household items diverts waste from landfills and reduces CO2 emissions – furthering Boston University’s commitment to sustainability. By donating these items to Goodwill, students are supporting a local, non-profit organization which sells used items – making them affordable for the public. Profits from local Goodwill stores are then used to support Goodwill’s employment, training, and social programs.