Move-in season leads to a noticeable surge in packaging waste, especially cardboard and shipping materials. Making mindful choices at the beginning of the year can greatly reduce what is sent to landfill.

To reduce your impact:

• Flatten and break down boxes before placing them in cardboard recycling dumpsters
• Limit unnecessary shipments and avoid purchasing items you can buy after arrival
• Remember that all rooms and apartments are already furnished

Thoughtful purchasing and proper disposal during move-in help prevent unnecessary waste from building up over the course of the year.

Stay Connected

Staying informed helps you make the most of campus reuse and sustainability programs throughout the year.

Follow these Instagram accounts for tips, updates, and event announcements:

• @sustainablestanford
• @bigswapperstanford
• @studentlivingatstanford 

You can also subscribe to sssustain@lists.stanford.edu and the swapsatstanford mailing list to receive information about donation drives, swap events, and zero waste initiatives.

Everyday choices directly influence campus waste reduction efforts. Placing materials in the correct bin and choosing reuse whenever possible helps ensure compost and recyclables are properly processed instead of sent to landfill.

In your room or shared spaces:

• Separate compost, recycling, and landfill using labeled bins
• Reuse items when possible, such as repurposing bags and containers
• Borrow through DAHA (“Does Anyone Have A”) chats rather than purchasing new items
• Donate clothing and household goods through Give & Go
• Take part in BIG SWAP events to pass along items in good condition

In EVGR and apartment communities:

• Use designated waste chutes and push materials in completely so doors close properly
• Use compostable bags available in waste rooms
• Bag pet waste before placing it in landfill chutes
• Bring cardboard, bulky items, styrofoam, electronics, lightbulbs, and other restricted materials to designated collection points

Maintaining consistent sorting and reuse practices supports campus-wide progress toward waste reduction goals.

Move-out can produce a high volume of discarded items in a short time. Planning ahead makes it easier to redirect usable goods instead of sending them to landfill.

Begin early by separating items for donation and identifying what can be reused. Participate in BIG SWAP events and use Give & Go programs to donate clothing, shoes, furniture, books, bikes, and electronics. Spreading packing and donation tasks over several days helps reduce last-minute waste and allows for more thoughtful decisions.

Every item reused, donated, or correctly sorted moves Stanford closer to its 2035 zero waste goal.

Some materials require special handling and should not be placed in regular trash or recycling.

The following items must be disposed of through designated campus programs:

• Batteries
• Electronics
• Light bulbs
• Medications
• Sharps
• Flammable liquids

In EVGR and apartment communities, follow posted chute guidelines. Do not place cardboard, bulky items, Styrofoam, or restricted materials in the chutes.

Using the proper drop-off locations helps maintain safety and prevents environmental harm.

Not Sure Where It Goes?
Not Sure Where It Goes?  Find clear, easy-to-follow Waste Guide so your trash, recycling, and compost end up in the right place.

Outdated Tech?
Drop off your old electronics at designated e-waste stations to keep toxic materials out of landfills. 

Charge Up Sustainability!
Batteries shouldn’t end up in the trash! Use these convenient drop-off points across campus to recycle safely and sustainably.

Be Part of the Mission!
Stanford is working toward some ambitious Zero Waste goals. Learn how small actions contribute to a big, campus-wide impact

Feed People, Not Landfills!
Join the movement to reduce food waste and fight hunger by helping recover and redistribute edible surplus food across campus and the local community. 

R&DE Stanford Dining Sustainable Food Program
R&DE Stanford Dining promotes healthy, sustainable eating through its Sustainable Food program focusing on local sourcing, waste reduction, and plant-forward meals to support lifelong mindful habits.