10/21/2025
A local nonprofit partner has earned statewide recognition for its collaboration with SUNY Cortland to keep usable dorm room items out of dumpsters and recirculate them in the community.
Red Dragon Reuse, a joint effort between Cortland ReUse and SUNY Cortland, won a nonprofit sector award from the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3).
For three years, the local initiative has reduced waste by collecting gently used items during the university’s spring semester move-out and reselling them at bargain prices at Cortland ReUse’s storefront, located at 186 Homer Avenue in Cortland.
The 2025 donation collection helped divert up to 45 tons of waste from landfills and the follow-up sale generate approximately $5,000 in revenue.
“Cortland ReUse has been a pillar of sustainability and an invaluable resource for landfill diversion in our community, especially SUNY Cortland,” said Megan Swing, the university’s energy and sustainability engagement coordinator. “They are champions of donation collection, and their work benefits so many people — from our campus to many other community organizations.”
Roughly 45 community members and 10 SUNY Cortland employees volunteered their time this past May during the multiweek effort to collect, transport and sort residence hall essentials — items that span area rugs, storage containers, trash cans, cooling fans, desk lamps, mirrors and much more. This past August, their work expanded to include a campus pop-up sale for SUNY Cortland students arriving for move-in.
In addition to reducing waste, organizers noted the program’s value in educating students and the local community about the benefits of a circular economy. They also emphasized that their collaboration extends beyond the Red Dragon Reuse sale to include crafting workshops, site visits to Cortland ReUse and other outreach aimed at finding sustainable solutions throughout the year.