Western Washington University

09/17/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2025 15:21

Annual Recovery Drive diverted or recycled almost 7,000 pounds of waste during spring and summer

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Annual Recovery Drive diverted or recycled almost 7,000 pounds of waste during spring and summer

September 17, 2025

by Dora Vaughn

University Residences

[Link]
A Recycle Center truck full of collected Recovery Drive donations.

There has been substantial effort around waste diversion in the residence halls from move-out last spring through this summer. Here are some of the highlights of this work, and community partners who benefitted from this effort:

Recovery Drive

In Spring 2025, University Residences and FDO's Recycle Center diverted over 6,700 pounds of waste through donations from the residence halls during move-out with the annual Recovery Drive. This historic effort has supplied regenerative support to many campus and community resources through its collection and redistribution.

Not-For-Profit Donations

4,948 pounds of donations recovered through the Recovery Drive were donated to local not-for-profit organizations in our community, including Whatcom Loves (WeCare), Blue Skies for Children, Sun Community Service, and more. From providing shoes that spark confidence in our community's youth to generating agency and comfort for those getting a fresh start on life, testimonials from these recipients show the immense impact that WWU's collaborative Recovery Drive has on our community members in need.

WWU Student Resources

1,701 pounds of donations recovered through the Recovery Drive were redistributed into WWU resources for students, including the Career Closet, WHOLE Pantry, and Free Store. New this year, University Residences will be hosting the Free Store with 1,402 pounds of room essentials available for all students at no cost, to reduce landfill waste and financial barriers to higher education. Students can find storage solutions, cleaning supplies, and more during move-in, Sept. 18-21, from noon to 5 p.m. in Edens North 134.

Residence Hall Reuse Program

The Recovery Drive also supplies the Residence Hall Reuse Program (RHRP), only available to residents. Founded in 2020 to increase the affordability, accessibility, and sustainability of on-campus housing and prioritizing Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students, RHRP offers reservations of living essentials through the summer in a phased approach based on need status.

Since 2020, RHRP has provided 974 residents with living essentials to reduce financial barriers and divert landfill waste. The program currently offers minifridges, microwaves, and bike kits (bikes, helmets, and locks). Helmets and locks are provided through grant funding from a WWU Active Transportation Fund grant. For the 2025-26 academic school year, RHRP will serve 197 residents with 305 items:

  • 84.26% (166) of participating residents are Pell grant recipients.
  • 69% (136) of participating residents are first-generation.
  • 96.45% (190) of all participants are either first-generation or Pell grant recipients.
  • 56.85% (112) of participating residents are both first-generation or Pell grant recipients.
Western Washington University published this content on September 17, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 17, 2025 at 21:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]