PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As Temple University’s spring semester winds down, many students living in off-campus housing are preparing to move out. That process can get messy for the blocks they live on, as students often don’t consider what they are dumping on sidewalks and other undesignated areas.
To curb the waste and headache for neighbors, the university launched TUMove, a new way students moving from off-campus housing can responsibly dispose of their end-of-semester waste.
Rebecca Collins, Temple’s director of sustainability, said the program is taking another step this year to reduce students’ carbon footprint by partnering with Habitat for Humanity.
“We're really trying to educate the students,” she said. “We know you're going to have things to get rid of, but do it respectfully, put it in bags, don't block the sidewalk.”
With the new Habitat for Humanity partnership, students can now make an appointment online with the organization for it to pick up pieces of furniture.
“Habitat for Humanity will send their truck, look at that piece of furniture, and if it is something in good condition, they can use it at their store location,” said Collins.
Appliances, electronics, and furniture in good condition are all eligible for pick up.
Collins said the expansion is a win-win because Temple students can be good neighbors to the community by not leaving their trash on the curb for several days, while also donating items for resale.
Pick ups will begin May and will continue through Augus