Ditch the Dumpster
Ditch the Dumpster is an annual campus initiative designed to divert move-out waste from landfills by facilitating the donation of gently used items and recycling of specific items. The program fosters a circular economy by connecting these items with campus and local community organizations, ensuring that donated goods are repurposed effectively. Participation supports waste reduction goals while providing valuable resources to those in need.
Quick Information
Program Dates
Spring 2027
Different end dates reflect varying move-out schedules. All collection sites will stop accepting donations at end of day on their respective closing dates.
- Starts: May 7 at 12:00 p.m.
- Collection Ends (Loomis, Mathias, South): May 13
- Collection Ends (Hybl): May 17
Drop-Off Locations
On-Campus Collection Sites
Collection sites can be accessed 24/7 to donate accepted items. These sites are designed for CC student access within secure, private buildings.
- Loomis Hall
- Mathias Hall
- South Hall
- Hybl Community Center
For Students
Move-Out Donation Guidelines
- Keep It Contained
- Please bring your items directly to our designated collection sites. Leaving items in hallways or common areas creates a mess and more work. Keeping things contained ensures your donations actually make it to their next destination.
- Quality Matters
- Our team and your peers sort every item by hand. Please avoid donating anything broken, moldy, or unsanitary. If you wouldn't feel comfortable handing it to a friend, please use the trash or recycling instead.
- Check Before You Drop
- Not sure if an item is a good fit? Check out the list below.
CC Pantry Exchange
Looking to drop off smaller amounts of donations? Check out the CC Pantry Exchange (located in the Worner Basement) that can take your 'stuff' year-round.
The CC Pantry has a food shelf right outside the door. Students can drop off unopened and not expired items on this shelf as often as they would like. This way, other students can grab an item in a pinch.
The CC Exchange donations are accepted only during open hours (Weeks 1-3, Thursdays from 2-4 p.m.) during the academic year. Please review the website for more information about items that are accepted into the CC Exchange.
E-Waste
The Office of Sustainability in partnership with ITS runs the e-waste program.
There are many options for recycling your e-waste on campus. If you have a small amount of e-waste to recycle, bring your e-waste to one of our three drop-off locations across campus.
The three locations are:
- Lower level of Worner Campus Center
- First floor of Tutt Library across the front welcome desk
- Office of Sustainability (1004 N Weber St) next to Donald E. Autrey Field
Toner can be dropped off on the first floor of Tutt Library next to the ITS office or on the lower level of Worner. For hazardous material disposal, contact Facilities Services at (719) 389-6568.
Leaving Early/Late or have Unique Items to Donate?
If you’re moving out outside of our donation window or have specific items that don’t fit our program, you can still be sustainable! Please check the guidelines on these local organizations' websites before heading out to ensure they can accept your items.
General Donations (Clothing, Housewares, Furniture)
- Arc Thrift Store | 1830 W. Uintah St.
- Goodwill | 2304 W. Colorado Ave.
- Springs Rescue Mission | 1109 S. Tejon St.
- Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity (ReStore) | 411 S. Wahsatch Ave.
- Who Gives a SCRAP (Creative Reuse Store) | 810 Arcturus Dr.
CDPHE coordinates the Medication and Sharps Takeback Program, which aims to increase proper diversion of household medications and sharps (needles). The program consists of household medication collection receptacles (kiosks) at participating law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and clinics across Colorado.
Animal Shelter Supplies
Local shelters often accept clean linens, blankets, and towels for bedding.
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Humane Society for the Pikes Peak Region | 610 Abbot Lane
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Our Shared Impact
The success of Ditch the Dumpster is a direct result of our collaboration with local and campus partners who ensure these donations find new purpose.
On-Campus Partners
We prioritize keeping resources within the Colorado College community to support student accessibility and department needs.
- Outdoor Education: Receives winter jackets and outdoor gear to support student recreation.
- Campus Departments: 'CC' branded departmental items are returned to their originating offices.
- CC Pantry: Receives all unopened, unexpired food and individually wrapped menstrual products.
- Adam F. Press Fitness Center: Receives branded athletic wear, fitness equipment, and medical supplies.
- Office of Sustainability: Manages several programs to divert waste from the landfill and ensure items are reused or recycled responsibly.
- Dorm Essentials Program: We test and store donated fans, lamps, and storage solutions throughout the summer. These are distributed free of charge during August, in partnership with International Student Orientation, the Bridge Scholars program, and the Residential Experience first-year move-in.
- The CC Exchange: This program serves as a hub for 'CC' branded gear, campus flair, and a curated selection of textiles and housewares, giving these items a second life with no cost to students.
- Campus E-Waste Program: We rigorously test all donated electronics. Items that are no longer functional are processed through our specialized recycling program, managed in partnership with ITS, to ensure proper disposal.
Off-Campus Partners
We collaborate with local organizations to extend the life of your donations and ensure responsible recycling for specialized items.
- Silver Key Senior Services: The primary recipient of our general donation overflow.
- Partners in Housing: Receives all twin-size bedding (sheets, comforters, and duvet covers) alongside towels and blankets.
- Who Gives a Scrap: Receives donations of school and art supplies.
- Urban Recycling: Processes foam-top mattresses to ensure these 'hard-to-recycle' items are handled correctly.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Receives non-donatable textiles and shoes for specialized recycling.
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