Be classy. Not trashy.

Ditch the Dumpster

Our mission

Ditch the Dumpster diverts waste from landfills, supports local non-profits and teaches the ASU community about proper recycling and reuse.

Every year ASU students moving on or off-campus realize they have accumulated more stuff than they need or have space for. Many of those items do not belong in the landfill.

Ditch the Dumpster allows for reuse, repurpose or recycling of those items.

Contact

Email the Ditch the Dumpster team.

Tips

Move-in

Ask for help. Volunteers can show you how and where to recycle in your dorm.

  • Break down and flatten your boxes, to take up less room, before recycling them.
  • Check behind your room door for a sheet that details recyclable and non-recyclable items.
  • Do not use boxes as trash bins to carry stuff.
    • If you do, make sure to empty, flatten and place boxes in the correct receptacle.
  • Use reusable containers, or save your flattened boxes for use during move-out.
  • Use the blue recycling bin in your room.

Move-out

  • Create a three-bin system.
    • Donate.
    • Landfill.
    • Recycle.
  • Start early; donation bins available on Earth Day: April 22.
  • Talk to your CA if you have questions or email the Ditch the Dumpster team.

Recycle at move-out: In addition to the normal year-round co-mingled recycling location, look for additional labeled recycling bins around the residence halls. 

What to donate

During move-out 

Drop off larger, fragile or potentially messy items large collection areas. These items include:

  • Books, hangers and storage bins.
  • Clothing, shoes and accessories.
  • Furniture.
  • Lamps and egg-crate mattress pads.
  • Larger appliances and electronics (usable or not).
  • Linens, drapery, towels, bedding and stuffed animals.
  • Sealed detergents or cleansers.
  • Smaller household goods.
  • Unopened, non-perishable food.

Year-round

Drop off your smaller items in the Big Brothers Big Sisters collection boxes. These items include:

  • Books, hangers and storage bins.
  • Clothing, shoes and accessories.
  • Linens, drapery, towels, bedding and stuffed animals.
  • Smaller household goods.

Medication disposal - safely dispose of expired prescription drugs and vitamins at these locations: 

  • Downtown Phoenix | Phoenix Police Department, 620 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85003
  • Polytechnic | Walgreens, 4766 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297
  • Tempe | ASU Police, 325 East Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281
  • West Valley | Phoenix Police Department – Cactus Park Precinct, 12220 N. 39th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85029

 

Where to donate 

Residence hall recycling maps

Tempe campus

Residence HallIndoor LocationOutdoor LocationYear-round Location
Adelphi I Under the awning by building 157FSunset Circle - traffic circle next to the Community RoomMap
Adelphi IIUnder the awning by building 157FSunset Circle - traffic circle next to the Community RoomMap
BarrettCereus and Cottonwood trash rooms; food donations accepted at Barrett front deskN/AMap
Center ComplexBest Hall laundry roomNortheast courtyard, Irish Hall B - close to Lemon StreetMap
Greek Leadership VillageGreek Leadership Community CenterN/AMap
Hassayampa EastHAV H1 loungeOutside east dining hall - close to Lemon Street Map
Hassayampa WestHAV E1 loungeCourtyard near HAV AMap
Manzanita HallHallway outside multipurpose room - first floorWest entrance near front deskMap
McClintock HallFirst floor lounge. East entrance near front desk.N/AMap
Palo Verde EastMain lobbyNorth side of building near landfill and recycling compactors Map
Palo Verde WestMain lobbyNorth side of building near landfill and recycling compactorsMap
San PabloFirst-floor lounge by front deskWest side of building Map
Sonora CenterHallway outside of the conference room, between desk and clinicSouth side parking lot, front parking lot Map
Sun Devil Fitness ComplexN/AWest of the main entrance of SDFCN/A
Tooker HouseCommunity lounges on floors 3 and 5PV East or West outdoor locationMap
University TowersFourth-floor breezewaySouthwest patio near poolMap
Vista Del SolVista del Sol Community Center near theaterN/AMap
Villas at VistaVista del Sol Community Center near theaterN/AMap

West Valley campus

Residence HallIndoor LocationOutdoor LocationYear-round Location
Casa de OroFirst-floor trash room and west kitchenSoutheast exit, near trash zoneMap
Las CasasCommunity center lobbyWest side of building, parking lot 19 Map

Downtown Phoenix campus

Residence HallIndoor LocationOutdoor LocationYear-round Location
Fusion on FirstResidential lobby - south entranceN/AMap
Gordon CommonsLobby outside of management officeN/AMap

Polytechnic campus

Residence HallIndoor LocationOutdoor LocationYear-round Location
Century HallMain lobby, first floorWest entranceMap
Lantana HallMain lobby, first floorN/AMap
 

Community organizations

ASU partners with several local charities and nonprofits to donate items collected during Ditch the Dumpster.