Wanted: Used sneakers

Members of the University’s EcoHusky student group and the Office of Environmental Policy are rolling out the barrels again to collect hundreds of old, tired, dirty – and most likely smelly – sneakers, as part of the National Recycling Coalition and the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program.

Last year, faculty, staff, and students donated 1,900 pounds of recyclable shoes, says Emily Maugeri, a student worker in the Office of Environmental Policy.

This year, they’ve set their sights on collecting more than one ton.

“It’s a great program,” says Maugeri.

“It’s fun, it benefits the environment by diverting large amounts of shoes from the trash, and it benefits the community by providing recycled material for new running tracks, athletic surfaces, and community playgrounds.”

The new Burton Family Football Complex and Mark R. Shenkman Training Facility is an example of such recycling: The facility will have synthetic athletic surfaces composed of recycled shoe parts.

Collections have begun, and the drop-off sites will be in place until the end of the semester in residence halls, athletic facilities, Homer Babbidge Library, the UConn Co-op, the Student Union, and various academic buildings.

Any brand or style of athletic shoe is welcome, but the group cannot accept shoes with metal cleats, sandals, dress shoes, or boots.

Anyone in the University or local community may participate.