George Mason University
Tier2-6: Move-Out Waste Reduction

In order to facilitate waste reduction at George Mason University (Mason), the Office of Community Relations, in collaboration with the Office of Recycling and Waste Management, instituted an end-of-year move-out recycling program in 2007 called Patriot Pack Out. Through this streamlined, low cost, volunteer outreach program, resident students who are leaving for the summer are encouraged to conveniently donate unwanted clothes and appliances, as well as unopened food items, which are delivered to charities benefitting our local community. In the past, these items would have just been left behind in the residence halls for university waste management staff to clear, attempt to separate, and haul to appropriate locations.

In 2010, Mason collected a total of 8,180 pounds of recyclable materials from the Patriot Pack Out Program. From this collection, the university donated 1,384 pounds of food to Food for Others. It has been estimated that 1 pound of food = 1 meal. Based on a family of four, Mason's donation to Food for Others fed 346 families. The university also donated 6,796 pounds of clothing and small appliances to the Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Falls Church, which benefits Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS). The Director of Business Services for NVFS estimates a revenue value of $26,721 toward their programs benefitting Fairfax County families.