Campus Move-In for Students

Moving into a new space has the potential to generate a lot of waste. However, it doesn't have to!  And while some materials like cardboard or tissue paper may be necessary to use at times, our campus has resources for you to prevent landfill waste and sort generated waste for recycling to reduce your impact on our common home.  Check out the resources and recommendations listed below to start your Notre Dame experience off in a sustainable way! 

Waste Sorting Opportunities for Move-In

Every dorm will have access to recycling and trash opportunities, with various waste receptacles available for specific materials. Download our wayfinding map to find stations near you. 

Waste Stream	CARDBOARD RECYCLING	SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING	PLASTIC BAGS & STYROFOAM COLLECTION	TRASH
Accepted Material	Clean and dry cardboard and paperboard	Dry and clean rigid plastics, paper, metal cans, and glass	Dry and loose plastic film, packaging, air pillows, styrofoam packaging and peanuts	Food, liquid, and other items that cannot be recycled through single-stream or special recycling
Receptacle	Large, open-top metal containers	Toters	Collection stations inside Stepan Center & Walsh Family Hall Stations will be flagged for identification	Green and silver dumpsters
Location on campus	Placed throughout campus outside of residence halls	Inside every residence hall on most floors	North-side of campus: Stepan Center South-side of campus: Walsh Family Hall Parking lot	Placed throughout campus outside of residence halls

Waste Reduction Tips for a Sustainable Move-In

• Instead of buying new items for your dorm, consider purchasing used goods at local secondhand stores like Goodwill or through South Bend’s "Buy-Nothing" group. Be sure to join the group ahead of time to see what items are available.

• Remember to pack reusable items such as washable grocery and produce bags, water bottles, plates, cups, and cutlery.

• Use rags or old T-shirts to wrap up and transport fragile items in place of plastic wrap or tissue paper.

• Utilize reusable storage bins instead of cardboard boxes. 

• If you need to purchase new items, check for eco-friendly labels such as: Energy Star, B Corps, Fair Trade, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Move-In Waste FAQ

When will these waste and recycling stations be on campus and available for use?

All containers will be available for receiving waste starting Friday, August 11th. However, move-in does not start until the following week. 

When will waste materials be picked up?

Continuous pick-ups for cardboard and trash will begin on Monday, August 14th, and end on Wednesday, September 6th. Regularly scheduled recycling and trash service for residence halls will continue weekly as normally scheduled.

How will the containers be labeled?

• Cardboard recycling containers will have yard signs positioned around the containers.
• Trash dumpsters will be labeled with either magnetic labels or yard signs.
• Recycling toters will have a recycling decal on them with labels of accepted materials.
• Plastic film and styrofoam collection containers will have yard signs around them.

Questions about what common materials should go where during move-in? See below:

• • Air pillows: Specialty recycling station at north and south campus drop-off stations

  • Amazon cardboard box:  large, metal open-top containers designated for cardboard collection 

  • Amazon paper envelope mailer: Single-stream recycling toters, located in in residence halls

  • Amazon plastic mailer and packaging: Specialty recycling station at north and south campus drop-off stations

  • Food wrappers: Landfill trash bins located in residence halls or green and silver dumpsters

  • Plastic beverage bottle:  Single-stream recycling toters, located in residence halls

  • Plastic trash bags: Specialty recycling station at north and south campus drop-off stations

  • Styrofoam packing peanuts: Specialty recycling station at north and south campus drop-off stations

  • Waxed paper: Landfill trash bins located in residence halls or green and silver dumpsters

  • Other items not mentioned above: check out our A to Z Recycling Directory!