Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has introduced updated ‘Red Hot’ donation bins as part of its longstanding clothing recycling program. These new bins feature enhanced signage and messaging to clearly outline acceptable donations and explain the destination of the contributions. The initiative aims to increase transparency with scannable QR codes that direct users to the university's recycling website.

“We wanted to make sure it’s clear what’s accepted and what’s not, and where the clothes are going once donated,” said Facilities and Services Manager Michael Youdelman, who oversees the recycling program.

The university has partnered with Wearable Collections, a New York City-based waste management company, which owns the campus clothing recycling bins and collects donations biweekly. The program accepts clothing, shoes, and other textiles, thereby diverting waste from landfills and repurposing pre-worn items for those in need.

“Even if it’s torn, we encourage people to donate it. Clothing and fabric is a commodity, just like paper or metal. It can be repurposed into things like writing paper or even filler,” Youdelman explained.

According to Wearable Collections' website, approximately half of the donated items are sold while the remainder is recycled: “What we collect travels to a sorting facility where it is evaluated for its secondary uses. About 50% of collections will be reused as clothing and sold in secondhand markets throughout the world, providing access to affordable apparel. The rest are upcycled as rags or shredded into fiber products used for purposes like insulation, carpet padding, and mattress stuffing.”

The impact of this program is significant, with Stony Brook University collecting around 10 tons of material annually. Efforts are underway to educate more students, faculty, and staff about the benefits of participating in this program with an aim to increase these numbers further.

Plans are also in place to expand the number of bins across campus, especially on East Campus. “It’s free to use, and it helps keep waste out of landfills,” said Youdelman. “We all have clothes we don’t use anymore, and by donating to the bins, we’re helping the environment and helping others while keeping waste out of landfills.”

“It’s important for our community members to see that recycling is a core part of our culture here at Stony Brook," Youdelman added. "We embrace our students and staff, and we know that if we do our part, they’ll do theirs and carry the recycling torch forward.”

— Beth Squire