Are you getting ready to move out and you’re not sure what to do with your stuff? We have an opportunity to donate your unwanted items and support the Ann Arbor community. In a recent survey conducted by students in ENVIRON 391, 77% of student respondents think it is important to donate their unwanted items during move out.
Plan now to donate your household items, décor, clothing, nonperishable food and more! By donating your stuff, you can help families that were previously unhoused, provide food for fellow students, and reduce your waste to the landfill. To learn more about where to donate or dispose of things visit the city’s student move out webpage. Brought to you by the Move Out Ann Arbor (MOAA) coalition.
Additionally, the city is working with the University of Michigan to promote reuse and recycling. Students can donate unopened food and hygiene products and kitchen supplies to the Maize and Blue Cupboard. Click on this link to learn more about how to donate your unused food items: https://mbc.studentlife.umich.edu/how-to-help/
After donating, do you still have items that need to be recycled or thrown away? The City of Ann Arbor can help! We’re offering trash, reuse, and recycling drop-off opportunities to students and their landlords on May 1, and May 3-6, 2026, 10:00am-3:00pm, at 2000 South Industrial Highway. You can drop off your items at this location for free during these hours. Any illegal dumping during off hours is subject to fines.
You can find a list of accepted and prohibited materials below. If you have any other questions about this event, visit engage.a2gov.org/student-move under One Stop Reuse, Recycling, and Trash Drop-off. Alternatively, contact customer service at 734-994-7336 or [email protected].
See below for a list of accepted and unacceptable materials at the Drop-Off Event:
Accepted materials for reuse: The city has invited Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation to participate. Kiwanis may accept:
- Gently used clothing
- Clean mattresses
- Furniture, in good condition
- Working, clean electric appliances including refrigerators
- Household goods
Accepted recycling:
* Visit a2gov.org/recycle for more details on other recyclable materials.
- Scrap metal
- Clean block Styrofoam only; NO peanuts, wrapping, or food packaging
- Cardboard
Accepted trash:
- Bagged trash
- Discarded furniture (if you can move it into the bunker without City staff assistance).
Not Accepted materials:
- Non-working freon containing appliances (freezers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, AC window units)
- Televisions; electronics
- Liquids of any kind
- Biohazardous or hazardous waste
- Ovens and dishwashers