Clutter for a Cause diverted a record 22K pounds of material from landfills

Each year during Clutter for a Cause, University of Pittsburgh students can donate items that would otherwise go to waste in the process of moving in and out of residence halls. The 2024 move-out event collected a record 22,460 pounds of materials like clothing, electronics, dorm room essentials and nonperishable food items that were diverted from landfills.

More than 11,000 pounds of materials — including 55 microwaves and 63 minifridges — have been resold or are slated for resale during the Reuse Rummage in August. Food and hygiene products (totaling 1,280 pounds) were donated to the Pitt Pantry. The recycling of more than 9,000 pounds of other materials is managed by Pitt Surplus.

The events are organized by the Pitt EcoReps, Student Office of Sustainability, Pitt Surplus, Pitt Pantry, University of Thriftsburgh and the Pitt Police. A next step for the managers is investigating specialty recycling options for mattress toppers on campus. Across 11 buildings, workers disposed of 637 toppers.