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Program at UNC allows students to donate as they move out of dorms

Thousands of college students in the Triangle will move out of dorm rooms in the first two weeks of May, and they'll generate thousands of pounds of trash. A new program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is trying to keep a lot of the products students are down with out of area landfills.

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Thousands of college students in the Triangle will move out of dorm rooms in the first two weeks of May, and they'll generate thousands of pounds of trash.

A new program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is trying to keep a lot of the products students are done with out of area landfills.

Tar Heel Treasure, which started in 2009, gives students and their families an easy way to donate small appliances, bedding, clothes and more. Since being founded, UNC officials say, Tar Heel Treasure has kept 207 tons of unwanted trash from being chucked.

Debbie Bosquet, facilities management coordinator at the university, said the program has made a big difference.

"Even though we furnish the rooms, students bring a lot of furniture to create a home for themselves while they're here," she said.

Aside from normal items that can be donated, Tar Heel Treasure also accepts books, household items, unopened food, school supplies, electronics, futon frames and rugs.

"Even the broken futon frames, we make sure the metal gets recycled. The broken electronics go to an e-waster recycler," UNC recycling coordinator Amy Preble said.

Donation stations are set up across UNC to help approximately 8,500 students moving out donate efficiently. The university will accept donations through May 12.

"I think it's amazing," Bosquet said of the recycling trend. "Bring it. We'll take it."

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