Burlington Standard

The University of Vermont issued the following announcement.

The University of Vermont’s Spring Move Out Project (SMOP) returned this May with two dates and locations to assist students in managing unwanted items during the move-out process. The two locations included lower Loomis Street in the Old North End and downtown on lower Buell Street. This annual event, organized by UVM’s Office of Student and Community Relations (OSCR), is a collaboration between several local organizations, the City of Burlington, and Champlain College.

“The 2022 Spring Move Out Project couldn't have been more successful,” shared Ash Hoyt '15 of UVM’s OSCR team. “We were able to return to what the event looked like pre-pandemic with both a swap and trash component for items no longer in usable condition. Tons of materials were diverted from the landfills and recycled back into the community. We are so thankful for our amazing volunteers and partners!” 

In preparation of the event, volunteers went door-to-door in each area with information on proper disposal and available resources for students. Participants were invited to bring undamaged furniture and household items in good working order to the swap for free, which created a community exchange for anyone walking by. Also available were electronics recycling and furniture disposal for subsidized fees. This year’s newest collaborator included Sleep Well Recycling, Vermont’s only mattress recycling center. Between both SMOP events, 75 mattresses were recycled for a small fee, diverting this material from area landfills. "The community members who dropped off or were aware of our involvement were ecstatic as always," shared Josh Costa, owner of Sleep Well Recycling. "We have received so much excitement since we opened two years ago from the Vermont community. We can only hope the legislature will join in on the excitement and pass legislation that bans mattresses from Vermont’s only landfill." 

The OSCR team shared that this year over 14,000 pounds of materials and furniture were disposed of, nearly three tons of items were exchanged, and any unclaimed swap items were donated to local charities including ReSOURCE. 

A huge thank you to all of our partners; Chittenden Solid Waste District, the Burlington Department of Permitting and Inspections, Champlain College, ReSOURCE, Casella Waste Systems, and Sleep Well Recycling.

Original source can be found here.