Moving Out? Donate Items!
Operated in partnership with Harvard Recycling, Harvard University Housing maintains four Reuse Stations at various property locations during the moving season to collect your unwanted items; including mattresses, textiles, furniture, small appliances, and more.
Your donations are sent to the Harvard Recycling & Surplus Center, where they are reused by those in need, by Harvard’s Habitat for Humanity, or by other local nonprofits.
***Please do not leave any unwanted items in your apartment, hallways, lobbies, trash areas, or elsewhere on the grounds of your property.
Details for the 2025 Reuse Stations available now!
- Stations are available starting May 5th - be sure to read our announcement for details regarding dates, locations, and which items you can donate!
Create a More Sustainable Home
We’ve compiled a list of useful tips to help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Install LEDs in floor, table, and desk lamps.
Use power strips/stations and install outlet timers.
Use blinds and curtains to control daylighting, heat gain, and drafts.
Keep air vents clear of furniture and rugs.
Bring less stuff. Buy less stuff. Have less stuff to move.
Create recycling zones (one trash bin, one recycling bin) in the kitchen and bathroom—avoid plastic liners or bags for recycling.
Keep reusable shopping bags, bottles, and mugs by the front door so you don’t leave home without them.
Do less laundry; hang up clothes for one more wear instead of throwing in the hamper.
Wash on cold.
Use non-toxic detergents.
Clean lint trap for shorter dry time.
Shop local, seasonal, and mindful.
Buy less red meat.
Eat more fresh, less overly engineered food.
Check out the Harvard Farmers' market on the Science Center Plaza
Install a shower timer, or post a reminder to commit to a 5-10 min shower for optimal skin health.
Furnish with pre-owned furniture or new furniture made with healthier materials and eco-friendly construction.
Top purifiers: aloe vera, Chinese evergreen, Boston fern, English ivy, spider plant, peace lily, bamboo palm
Hang items with removable mounting materials.
During winter, set your thermostat to meet the Harvard Temperature Policy for comfort, productivity, health, and safety.
68-71°F while at home
60°F while away
Switch to non-toxic supplies.
Make your own basic household cleaners.
Declutter by donating or recycling unwanted items.
When moving out, minimize your impact by consulting our green moving guide.
Before You Go Away Checklist
Recycling Guidelines
We use single-stream recycling, so you do not need to separate paper from the rest of your recyclables. You should still use a separate bin for household trash (food waste, Styrofoam, used tissues, etc.).
What Can Be Recycled?
- Metal: food and beverage cans
- Plastic: jars, jugs, tubs
- Glass: bottles, jars
- Paper and cardboard: mixed paper, newspaper, magazines, boxes
Sustainable Habits
At home and in the community, your well-being is one of the key drivers to sustainability and climate action.
Be Car Free
Instead of driving and parking a personal vehicle, try:
- Public transit via the MBTA
- Harvard and Longwood Shuttle
- Bluebikes (discount with Harvard ID)
- Zipcar (discount with Harvard ID)
Connect with Community, Nature, and Yourself
- Attend a Graduate Commons event to connect with neighbors.
- Visit Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum or Harvard Forest.
- Volunteer your time and talents.
- Try a mindfulness practice like meditating, yoga, or one of Harvard’s Center for Wellness and Health Promotion offerings.
- Stay active and boost mental health by taking activity breaks throughout the day, stretching, and taking the stairs over the elevator when you can.
Be Green on Campus
Take a look at the Sustainability Points of Interest Map created by the GCP Green Team. You'll find campus e-waste locations, Hubway and Zipcar stations, as well as local vegetarian restaurants to support sustainable eating practices.