Montana State University’s incoming freshmen arrive each fall with belongings such as TVs, fans and electronics that are often wrapped in plastic and cushioned with Styrofoam in their original cardboard cartons. While disposing of packaging in the nearest recycling bin might seem like a simple task, MSU’s first Zero Waste coordinator Garrett Wright understands there’s a little more to it.

“If people throw all the Styrofoam and plastic back in the cardboard box, now it’s not recyclable – it’s contaminated. And if there’s too much contamination, an entire 10-yard roll-off (dumpster) could just be tossed in the trash,” explained Wright, whose responsibilities in MSU’s Office of Sustainability include ensuring that recyclable waste on campus doesn’t end up in a landfill.

In advance of Move-In 2025, Wright’s team collaborated with MSU’s Residence Hall Association, resident advisers and Move-In volunteers to help new Bobcats dispose of their packing materials properly.