Pomona College
OP-T2-43: Move-Out Waste Reduction

The Clean Sweep/ReCoop program substantially reduces move-out waste with a team of 25 paid students works for two weeks (one week before and after Commencement) collecting reusable items from the residence halls and through donation events. Every dorm room on campus is searched for reusable items left behind, and all items are cleaned, organized, and tested for resale. Previously, these items were sent to the landfill. This effort has more than cut in half landfill waste during the move-out period. Items with high resale value for the campus community are stored on campus over the summer and sold in the fall, and items valuable for community and charitable organizations (like clothing, shoes, bedding, books, and home supplies) are donated. The proceeds from ReCoop sales to go fund the Clean Sweep crew and the program's operating costs.