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Big Green Move Out encourages students to reduce waste before winter break

Nov. 13, 2026

Northwest students are pictured moving into campus residence halls in the fall. As the winter break approaches, the University encourages students to reduce waste and consider donating unwanted items. (Photo by Chloe Timmons/ Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest students are pictured moving into campus residence halls in the fall. As the winter break approaches, the University encourages students to reduce waste and consider donating unwanted items. (Photo by Chloe Timmons/ Northwest Missouri State University)

As the fall semester comes to an end and students leave campus for winter break, Northwest Missouri State University’s sustainability and residential life offices are partnering to encourage students to donate unwanted belongings and reduce landfill waste.

The University’s next Big Green Move Out will launch Wednesday, Nov. 18, and continue through Saturday, Dec. 12. The program gives students an opportunity to donate clothing, non-perishable food items, unopened hygiene products and household items.

Collection bins will be available in the lobbies of each Northwest residence hall and the Forest Village community building.

Non-perishable food items also may be donated and should be separated from other items. Food donations may also be made directly to the Bearcat Food Pantry in the J.W. Jones Student Union or local food banks such as the Ministry Center at 971 S. Main St. in Maryville.

Donated items will be available at a student swap meet scheduled near the end of the spring semester.

“The Big Green Move Out is another way students can embrace sustainable practices,” said Tim Hill, Northwest’s environmental sustainability coordinator. “Instead of trashing items that can be reused, consider giving them a second life.”

A complete list of acceptable items is provided below.

Additionally, cardboard, paper, plastic, aluminum, steel, tin and glass materials should be discarded in the recycling bins at the residence halls or at Northwest’s Recycling Center, located west of the Northwest campus on Icon Road. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Acceptable items

  • Clothing and shoes
  • Purses, bags and backpacks
  • Small electronics
  • Bedding and towels
  • Household items
  • CDs, DVDs, records, cassette tapes
  • Toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals
  • Office supplies
  • Kitchenware
  • Sports and exercise equipment
  • Small appliances

Items that are not acceptable

  • Books
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses and mattress pads
  • Televisions
  • Weapons, explosives, and flammable or hazardous materials


Contact

Dr. Mark Hornickel
Administration Building
Room 215
660.562.1704
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu