Event Spotlight: Clean + Go Green

When the event first started, it used to be called “Dumpster Day.” In 2006, as the University began in earnest its commitment to sustainability, the name was changed to Clean + Go Green. The ethos of the event also evolved — from a day of cleaning offices by throwing everything (electronics, furniture, books) into large dumpsters, to a day of collecting donations, reusing too-good-to-throw items like books and office supplies, and educating people about the proper recycling methods for electronics, batteries, and other commonly misappropriated items. 

Now, the award-winning event takes place twice per year: once in November and once in July. It is run in collaboration between Columbia University Facilities and Operations, the Office of Sustainability, and Columbia Community Service (CCS), and spans both the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. Volunteers from across the University staff the tents, collecting donations and informing people about how to properly recycle or dispose of items. 

“Clean + Go Green is a University-wide effort that encompasses everything from donating clothes, to recycling electronics, to shredding documents,” said Don Schlosser, Assistant Vice President for Campus Operations. “Facilities and Operations takes the guesswork away by sorting everything for proper recycling or disposal, so it’s easy for participants to clean out their office spaces and know they’re doing it in the most sustainable way.”

On the Morningside campus, a particular favorite Clean + Go Green attraction is the used book tent. An estimated 3,900 books are dropped off during each Clean + Go Green event, with passers-by browsing and selecting free books to rescue. 

Gently used clothing, unopened personal hygiene products, non-perishable food, shoes, and small household items are also collected for donation at the Morningside campus. This July, an estimated 4,800 pounds of clothing was delivered to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine from bags collected at Clean + Go Green.

“Not only does Clean + Go Green educate our community about reuse and recycling, it also directly helps people in need through CCS,” said Helen Bielak, Operations Manager for the Office of Sustainability. “It’s a great example of a large community coming together to keep waste out of landfills — and they might even find something cool to rescue from the tables in the process.”

Clean + Go Green also supports Columbia’s sustainability goals outlined in Plan 2030. Under the Responsible Materials Management section of the plan, the University commits to align with New York City’s zero waste by 2030 goal through enhanced waste diversion programming, strategic procurement partnerships, and a robust sustainable events policy.

To learn more about Clean + Go Green, including what items can and cannot be donated, recycled, or disposed of at each participating location, visit the Facilities and Operations website.