Every year, over 11,000 NYU students move into residence halls all across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Lined up in front of the halls on move-in day, there are not only grinning students, but also mini fridges, microwaves, fans, and lamps, just to name a few. Students and their families haul these new items up to their rooms in preparation for the year ahead.

Yet, several months later when the rooms are cleared, where does all of this equipment end up? While sometimes put in storage or donated, most items end up in the landfill after the school year comes to a close. 

Tips for Reducing Your Waste During Move-In:

• Rent Second-Hand Items:  After observing the amount of waste that accumulates from residence halls, NYU entrepreneur Patrick Varuzza wanted to help students reduce their carbon footprint and support a circular economy. He founded Hubbub, a platform allowing students to rent dorm/apartment essentials and have the items delivered directly to their residence. Their inventory ranges from microwaves to coffee machines to vacuums. Since they pick it up at the end of the academic year there is no waste!
• Purchase Reusables: Ensure that you have a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, utensils, and bags once you move into your residence. Plastic packaging waste quickly accumulates and NYU no longer gives out single-use water bottles in efforts to reduce our environmental impact. 
• Fight Food Insecurity with the Student Pantry: The College Student Pantry at SAFH in East Village addresses food insecurity among students by providing them with free food and meals. By making an appointment, you receive 3-days worth of groceries. There will be a Welcome Event on Wednesday, Sept 7th 4pm-7pm for free groceries, cooking demos, and student care kits.
• Borrow Books: NYU Libraries outlines how you can borrow books, videos, and audio from NYU, Consortium, and Non-NYU libraries. Facebook Marketplace, the Strand, and other used book stores also offer affordable reading materials. By borrowing or purchasing secondhand, you give books more uses and eliminate waste. 
• Borrow & Swap Items with Friends: Students can both dispose of items they no longer want and attain new supplies by exchanging with others. As upperclassmen move into new residences, they might be looking to give away some items so ask around. It’s easy to swap books, clothes, equipment, and other everyday essentials.
• Familiarize Yourself with Waste Bins: NYU has landfill and mixed recycling bins on every floor with composting bins in dining halls. Each hall also has a bin to collect textiles typically located near the laundry room. By correctly sorting your waste, you help reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills. 
• Use Donation Services Throughout the Year: Check out the DonateNYC portal for a comprehensive resource on where to donate all of your items including clothes, furniture, food, bedding, books, and household items. By donating throughout the year, you reduce the number of items you need to discard when move-out comes around.