Move out collection sites encourage reuse over disposal
Ten days before the big day, Madison recycling coordinator George Dreckmann is asking for help from the legions of students who will be moving.
"We really need everyone's help so we can get things cleaned up and keep the downtown looking good," Dreckmann said. "We will be handling approximately 800 tons of trash during the move out, so we need everyone's cooperation to make things work smoothly."
Student's leases tend to expire on Aug. 14, and that is the big day for students moving out of one apartment and into another.
As one would expect of a recycling coordinator, Dreckmann is urging students to reuse items or share them with others.
"This is our sixth year as a member of the Moving Days coalition," Dreckmann said. "The coalition offers movers a chance to give their unwanted items new life instead of tossing them in the trash."
Along with the city, the coalition includes University Health Services., St. Vincent DePaul and Goodwill.
Donation sites at Holy Redeemer Parking lot,
120 W. Johnson St., and UW Lot 51, behind McDonald's on Regent
Street will be open from Aug. 11 to 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each
day.
Also from Aug. 11 to Aug. 14, a site at the corner of Broom and West Mifflin streets in front of Capitol Centre Foods will be open. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Aug. 11 to 13, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 14.
Dreckmann also encouraged those moving to use a city of Madison Web site, Madison Stuff Exchange, where people can buy and sell items.
"Because so many people are moving into new apartments, the demand for used furniture and other household items will be very high. That makes this a great time to list items you no longer use on the Madison Stuff Exchange," he said. There is a maximum sale price of $99 on the free exchange, which is at www.madisonstuffexchange.com.
To help movers, the city will suspend enforcement of the Clean Streets/Clean lakes parking restrictions in the downtown area on Aug. 14 and 15. The restrictions are designed to allow street sweepers access to the curb lines, and are in effect from May 1 to Nov. 15. They will not be enforced on Aug. 14 and 15, and street sweepers will be kept out of the area those days. Enforcement will be resumed on Aug. 18, Dreckmann said, and all other parking restrictions in the downtown will be in force during the move out days.
Dreckmann also has a few DOs and DO NOTs for those who are moving.
Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Cardboard is recycled and must be flattened and put in the green recycling carts or bundled.
Keep refuse and recycling separate when placed at the curb, and do not pile trash or large items around the carts.
Do not put trash in recycling carts. Trash goes into the tan refuse carts or in trash bags.
Do not put trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
Keep large metal items separate from other material so it can be recycled.
And remember, most appliances, including microwaves, TVs and computer monitors require a fee for collection.
File photo
A Madison coalition has organized collection sites around the UW-Madison campus to help students give away items they might toss during move out, Aug. 14.
