Published: March 27, 2024 By

The finish line is in sight and the end of the academic year is almost here! If you plan to move out of your residence soon, this is a great time to prepare. Whether you live on or off campus, here’s a checklist to help you wrap up the end of the year. 

Students helping sort move-out trashDonate items you no longer need

You may have items you no longer need or want as you prepare to move out of your residence. Donating these things means you have less to move, and you can give your items a second life. 

If you live on campus, you can participate in the Give and Go Donation Drive. Donation locations will be available in the residence halls Monday, April 22 through Thursday, May 9. Students can donate the following items at these locations: 

  • Shoes 
  • Clothing 
  • Unopened non-perishable foods 
  • Books 
  • School supplies 
  • Toiletries, hygiene products and cleaning supplies  

Soft goods such as bedding, pillows, towels, etc., cannot be collected.  

If you live on or off campus, there are also many locations in Boulder where you can donate your items. Wherever you choose to donate, make sure to drop off items that are usable and in good working condition. 

Store items to use next year

It may feel easier to throw items out or donate them, but you do have another option. The UPS Store at CU Boulder offers summer storage for students living on and off campus.  

The service is simple and affordable, and students can choose customized storage solutions. For the basic storage program, you can pick up a box at the on-campus UPS Store and return it with the items inside. You can also store larger and specialty items through this program. 

Donate or store your bike

If you’d like to donate your bike, you can do so at the Folsom and TLC bike stations. Bikes will be refurbished and sold at the annual fall Bike Sale.  

The CU Bike Program can store your bike for $20 over the summer. Storage is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by the TLC bike station from May 6 to May 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, to store your bike. Learn more about summer bike storage. 

Bikes left on campus that appear to be abandoned will be flagged and removed starting in May. 

Properly dispose of hard-to-recycle and hazardous materials

Sometimes you may have items you can’t throw away or donate, including electronics, cleaning products or fluorescent bulbs. Here are some tips for taking care of hard-to-recycle and hazardous items: 

  • If students need to dispose of vape or other hazardous tobacco products, designated vape disposal locations are available in the UMC and the Village Center. 
  • It is illegal in Colorado to throw away electronics in a dumpster. You can donate electronics in usable condition at a thrift store. Electronics not in usable condition can be recycled at Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, Staples or Best Buy
  • Visit the Environmental Center website for more options on disposing of hard-to-recycle items, including cell phones, batteries, toner cartridges and more. 
  • Common household hazardous waste products include fluorescent bulbs, home cleaning products, home maintenance products, motor oil, antifreeze, paint and yard and garden care products. Learn more about how to dispose of hazardous waste products
  • Dispose of your expired and unwanted medications at the take-back box on the main floor lobby of the Parking Services and Police Department building. 

Pick up your Green Cord

Are you graduating in May? Take the Graduation Pledge of Social & Environmental Responsibility and pick up an optional green cord to wear at graduation! The Graduation Pledge Alliance states: 

“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and to try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.” 

The green cord symbolizes your commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Those graduating in May or summer 2024 who take the pledge will be contacted with more information in April 2024 about a green cord for commencement. 

Drop ‘N’ Swap 

April 24 | 12-6 p.m. | UMC, room 235 

Join the Environmental Center for Drop ‘N’ Swap—a campus-wide swap shop where CU Boulder students, faculty and staff can donate and pick up new-to-you items, including: 

  • Clothing 
  • Shoes 
  • Accessories 
  • Outdoor gear 
  • Office supplies 
  • Housewares 
  • Room decor, and more!  

You don’t need to bring anything to take new-to-you items at this free event.   

Bring donations to the Environmental Center (UMC 355) Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. between April 8 and April 23, or on the day of the event to UMC, room 235.