Release

One Student's Trash is Another's Treasure
Program aims to recycle household items and reduce city landfill usage

Contact: Karl Luntta (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 14, 2004) -- The University at Albany's Committee on University and Community Relations is sponsoring the Trash to Treasure Program to promote the recycling of reusable household items and mitigate overuse of the city�s landfill. The program encourages university students who live in the Pine Hills, Beverwyck and other student-dense neighborhoods to recycle items as they depart for the summer break, and encourages landlords and area residents to join the recycling program.

The Committee on University and Community Relations comprises representatives from the University at Albany, College of Saint Rose, City of Albany Department of General Services, Albany Police Department, and the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association.

"The students who make Albany their home during the school year are an integral part of our community. We appreciate the efforts of our partners at UAlbany and Saint Rose to ensure a positive quality of life transition for the neighborhoods in which the students play such an important role," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.

"We are pleased to work with City Hall and the College of Saint Rose to make a positive transition from the end of the school year to summertime, and happy to continue to encourage the maintenance of a high quality of life in areas with significant concentrations of students," said UAlbany Vice President for Student Affairs James P. Doellefeld.

"The idea is an attempt to be creative in providing a method for students to clean house and provide benefits and resources to lower-income families and organizations. The partnership is a win-win solution for the neighborhoods, the universities and the city," said Henry M. Madej, president of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association.

The program encourages the recycling of furniture, lamps, electronics, bedding, clothing, clothing accessories, jewelry, books, office supplies, and other household items. The committee's partner in the Trash to Treasure Program, the Salvation Army, will pick up items in the evening of May 18, coinciding with the City of Albany's annual Neighborhood Spring Cleanup Days (beginning May 16 in the same areas). Residents will place recyclable items curbside, separated from refuse.

For specific information on the Trash to Treasure Program, call 442-3130. For questions about Albany's Neighborhood Spring Cleanup Days, visit www.albanyny.org or call 434-CITY.