Move-In Cardboard Recycling Program
Help Shape a More Sustainable Move-In Experience
Move-In Cardboard Recycling is a fun and impactful volunteer opportunity that helps students and families recycle cardboard correctly during one of the busiest weekends of the year. As a volunteer, you'll be part of a team creating a welcoming move-in experience while helping keep recyclable materials out of landfills. Just a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference in supporting Cornell's sustainability goals and building a greener campus community.
Applications are now being accepted for Move-In Cardboard Recycling 2026 volunteers – Apply today!
2026 Dates
Volunteers are needed during assisted move-in on:
- Tuesday, August 18 (10:00am to 2:00pm)
- Friday & Saturday, August 21-22 (11:00am to 7:00pm)
Shift length: 2 hours
We are seeking approximately 40-50 volunteers, and even one shift can make a meaningful impact.
Get Involved
Join us in making move-in more sustainable, one box at a time.
Apply to volunteer: [Link to be added]
Questions? Contact: [Contact information to be added]
Help make move-in greener. Help make a difference.
Who Can Volunteer?
- All current Cornell students, staff and faculty are welcome to participate.
- West Campus residents are especially encouraged to apply.
What You'll Do?
- Attend a 1-hour training session (date and time to be announced)
- Monitor an assigned cardboard recycling location on West Campus.
- Assist students and families with proper cardboard recycling
- Helping keep recycling containers free of trash and packing materials
No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to help and engage with others.
Why Join?
- Free early move-in on one of the dates listed below:
- Sunday, August 16
- Wednesday, August 19
- Thursday, August 20
- Snacks and water during volunteer shifts
- A thank-you gift
- For each shift worked, you’ll get a raffle ticket for volunteer prizes (list prizes here)
- Valuable experience supporting a campus-wide initiative
Most importantly, you'll be helping create a more sustainable move-in experience and ensuring that recyclable materials stay out of the landfill.
At a Glance
- Purpose: Welcome students and families to campus while promoting sustainability by guiding proper cardboard recycling and helping divert waste from local landfills during move-in.
- Activities: Monitor cardboard-only recycling bins to prevent contamination and assist students and families with proper recycling practices.
- Audience: Students, staff and faculty.
Volunteering
As a Move-In Cardboard Recycling Volunteer, you'll play an important role in creating a more sustainable and welcoming move-in experience for fellow students and their families. With just a few hours of your time, you can help divert thousands of pounds of recyclable cardboard from the landfill and contribute to a greener campus community.
Whether you're passionate about sustainability, looking to give back, or simply want to help make move-in run more smoothly, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
Why It Matters
Move-in generates a tremendous amount of cardboard as students unpack and settle into campus life. While cardboard is highly recyclable, recycling bins often become contaminated with trash, packing materials, and other non-recyclable items. When that happens, entire loads may be sent to the landfill instead of being recycled.
Last year, students made a strong effort to recycle, but contamination at collection sites prevented some cardboard from being processed correctly. This year, volunteers will help keep recycling streams clean, answer questions, and ensure more cardboard is successfully recycled.
By volunteering, you'll help create a cleaner move-in experience and make a meaningful contribution to Cornell's sustainability efforts—one box at a time.
