Release

One Student's Trash is Another's Treasure
Program encourages students, others to recycle household items

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 17, 2006) -- The University at Albany's Committee on University and Community Relations is sponsoring the "Trash to Treasure" Program to encourage university students, landlords, and area residents in the Pine Hills and Beverwyck neighborhoods to recycle items as they depart for the summer break.

This year, a variety of charities and not-for-profit organizations will pick up reusable items the evenings of May 16 and May 23. The program encourages the recycling of furniture, lamps, electronics, bedding, clothing, clothing accessories, jewelry, books, office supplies, and other household items.

The City of Albany will conduct spring special trash pick-ups in these neighborhoods on May 17 and May 24, which immediately follow the two "Trash to Treasure" nights.

In addition to the recycling effort, the Committee has placed 3,000 door tags in the Beverwyck and Pine Hills neighborhoods promoting neighborhood safety in publications entitled "YOUr Safety Begins With YOU!" and "Community Service & Fines for Having a Party?" The pamphlets highlight safety tips and describe the City of Albany and New York State laws and ordinances that could be violated as a result of a house party.

The program comes at a time of increasing partnerships between UAlbany and the city's neighborhoods. Earlier in the month, The College of Saint Rose and City of Albany joined UAlbany for its 10th Annual Clean-up Day, which this year focused on the midtown section of the city, near the campuses and UAlbany's midtown residence halls.

The Committee on University and Community Relations comprises representatives from the University at Albany, College of Saint Rose, University Heights colleges, City of Albany Department of General Services, Albany Police Department, and the Pine Hills and Beverwyck neighborhood associations.