Let's Make our Moves Sustainable!
Each school year begins and ends with a surge of waste—boxes, packaging materials, and plastic during move-in, followed by piles of unwanted items during move-out. To tackle this challenge, Northern Michigan University launched its Sustainable Move-In/Move-Out program.
Since its start, we’ve been collecting baseline data, reducing waste where we can, and developing new strategies to expand and strengthen the initiative in the years ahead.
Together, we can move more mindfully and help advance NMU’s campus-wide sustainability goals.
Learn more about NMU’s sustainable moving efforts below.
Move-In
2025 served as the baseline year for making move-in at NMU more sustainable. To support this effort, seven roll-off dumpsters designated exclusively for recycling were placed across campus. Volunteers from NMU and the Marquette community played a key role by helping to sort materials and by educating students and families on what can be recycled and how to continue recycling on campus throughout the year.
As a result, 8.76 tons of recyclable material were diverted from the landfill during move-in alone. These materials were transported to Recycle 906, where they will be processed and repurposed into new products.
Scroll down for more information and resources on Move-In
Move-Out
2025 marked the baseline year for exploring how NMU can make move-out more sustainable. As part of this effort, the Sustainable Move-In/Out Task Force partnered with Ripple Effect to expand Stuff Swap, a long-standing campus tradition.
At Stuff Swap, students can donate items they no longer need or want, while others are welcome to take those items home—for free. The event not only helps students declutter and save money, but also significantly reduces the amount of usable goods that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Scroll down for more information and resources on Move-Out
Move-Out Resources
Stuff Swap - Have clothes, gently used school supplies, or other small items that you need to get rid of?
Collection tents - All roll-off dumpster locations will have a large tent next to them. This is a place to bring your items that you were planning on throwing away, that someone else could use.
*insert graphic of what is accepted and what goes to the landfill
Move-In
2025 served as the baseline year for making move-in at NMU more sustainable. To support this effort, seven roll-off dumpsters designated exclusively for recycling were placed across campus. Volunteers from NMU and the Marquette community played a key role by helping to sort materials and by educating students and families on what can be recycled and how to continue recycling on campus throughout the year.
As a result, 8.76 tons of recyclable material were diverted from the landfill during move-in alone. These materials were transported to Recycle 906, where they will be processed and repurposed into new products.
This success marks an exciting step forward, and we look forward to building on these efforts to make each move-in even more sustainable. We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and made this initiative possible.
Move-Out
2025 marked the baseline year for exploring how NMU can make move-out more sustainable. As part of this effort, the Sustainable Move-In/Out Task Force partnered with Ripple Effect to expand Stuff Swap, a long-standing campus tradition.
At Stuff Swap, students can donate items they no longer need or want, while others are welcome to take those items home—for free. The event not only helps students declutter and save money, but also significantly reduces the amount of usable goods that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Making Sustainable Moves
Contact Us
Please reach out to us with any questions about past or upcoming moves. We'd love to hear your ideas!
Ian Hogan, Building Services Supervisor | Facilities - ihogan@nmu.edu
Mattea Muscat, Composting and Recycling Intern | SHINE - mmuscat@nmu.edu
