Rutgers University and City of New Brunswick Team Up for Project Move Out

Bulk waste disposal program offers free curbside pick up for students in off-campus housing

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – For the fourth consecutive year, Rutgers University and the city of New Brunswick are partnering to keep the streets of the 2nd, 5th and 6th wards clear of bulk waste.

Each May, Rutgers students residing in off-campus housing in New Brunswick discard tons of items such as furniture, mattresses, and small and large appliances they no longer need or don’t wish to take with them over the summer.

Prior to the implementation of Project Move Out, students residing in those neighborhoods of the city would often leave these items on the curbs in front of their residences where they might sit for days before New Brunswick Public Works was able to collect them. In 2012, the city and Rutgers joined forces to address the waste disposal problem that created an eyesore on New Brunswick streets and posed a hazard to pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

Project Move Out provides free curbside pickup of bulk waste to students in specific neighborhoods of New Brunswick who register for the service.

“More than 360 students registered for pick ups last year, and we collected more than 80 tons of bulk waste and recyclable material. None of it went to a landfill,” said David DeHart, director of environmental services for Rutgers. “We are also able to recover the Freon from discarded appliances to make sure the chemical is disposed of properly. By providing this service to our off-campus students, we reduce the university’s carbon footprint as well as help our neighbors in New Brunswick.”

Students must preregister online by noon Wednesday, May 20. Collection of the bulk waste will take place May 21, 22, 26 and 27. For registration and additional details, go to ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/projectmoveout.

Students also have the opportunity to bring their bulk waste items to a collection point on campus without registration. Students with a Rutgers ID can bring their materials to Lot 30 behind the College Avenue Gym May 21, 22, 26 and 27, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

The city is providing an additional option to students in off-campus residences. New Brunswick Public Works at 400 Jersey Ave. will be open on Saturday, May 30, and Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept bulk items from Rutgers students who show proof of residency in New Brunswick.