Lighten Up! is Carleton’s zero-waste move out program where students can donate used items.
Questions: Contact Rilke Grimlund ’26
June 2024 at Carleton’s Laird Stadium
Thursday June 21: 7am to 4pm
Friday June 22: 8am to 6pm
Saturday June 23: 8am to 2pm (Bag sale day)
Lighten Up manages 2.5% of Carleton’s total waste stream by diverting 23 tons of student materials from the landfill. Proceeds from the sale support community partners. The 2023 Lighten Up Sale raised funds and resources for Northfield Union of Youth, Project Friendship, Special Olympics, Growing Up Healthy and Operation Backpack.
Each Spring Carleton College students donate unneeded items to the Lighten Up Garage Sale. The proceeds provide essential funds for community non-profits and also serves as an excellent lesson in “green” living and waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I donate?
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Shoes
- Kitchen cookware
- Fridges
- TVs and electronics
- Books
- Household items, decorations, games
- Fans, lamps, small appliances
- Small furniture
- Sports gear
- Anything in good condition
What can I do with items I can’t donate?
Items such as pillows and mattress toppers can be placed in the dumpsters.
Where and when can I donate?
Pods, large storage containers, will be placed around campus near the dorms. Pods will be available and open for donations from May 31 to June 10.
What is Dorm Storm?
During 10th week of spring term, the CCCE and the Sustainability Office provide each student a garbage bag to fill with donations. Garbage bags and informational flyers will be taped to your dorm doors.
Can I shop at the sale?
Yes! Anyone can shop at the sale from June 22-23.
For 2023 we are hosting an in-person sale at Carleton’s Laird Stadium
- Thursday June 21: 7am to 4pm
- Friday June 22: 8am to 6pm
- Saturday June 23: 8am to 2pm (Bag sale day)
The sale happens during summer break, but there are a number of other shopping opportunities for students. Watch for pop-up sales to shop throughout the academic year (New Student Week, Senior Week, Halloween, Reunion, and more!)
What happens to unsold items?
At the end of the sale, local end-sale vendors come in to reuse the remaining items. Local high school thrift shops reuse the clothes, quilters reuse the bedding, local crafters also reuse clothing, E-waste and metals are recycled, and the remaining items go to nonprofits like the Epilepsy Foundation and Disabled Veterans.
What is the mission of Lighten Up?
Lighten Up is a community-focused event with the dual purpose of waste diversion and supporting the local community.
The proceeds provide essential funds for community non-profits and also serve as an excellent lesson in “green” living and waste management. The 2023 Lighten Up Sale raised funds and resources for Northfield Union of Youth, Project Friendship, Special Olympics, Growing Up Healthy and Operation Backpack. We couldn’t do the sale without the hard work and dedication of our community volunteers. Each community partner provides 30 hours of volunteer work each day for the three weeks prior to the sale.
In addition to the community benefits, Lighten Up helps Carleton move towards its sustainability goals. Lighten Up manages 2.5% of Carleton’s total waste stream by diverting 30 tons of student materials from the landfill.