It's not totally plastic free, but Target sells laundry concentrate bottles now. They're smaller bottles (so less plastic if nothing else) and less product with the same power as a normal bottle of detergent, and it's supposed to dispense the exact amount you need for a load of laundry. I think the brand has recyclable bottles (their dish soap certainly does), and I cannot remember the brand for the life of me, but it might be something like Everspring/Evergreen or Seventh Generation? It's probably on the shelves at all Targets, and I know the bottles are clear if that helps.
I just picked up one myself and haven't used it open yet, so I can't speak to how well it works, but I know it can be super challenging to find options depending on what is close to you in college (especially if you don't have a car), not to mention the typically tight college budget. I think it's supposed to be a naturally based detergent too, since the dish soap I got from them is mostly natural and biodegradable. I thought I heard you can make your own laundry detergent from Borax and other ingredients, but I have never tried it, can't speak to the effectiveness, and know that will be a time consumer that college doesn't always allow for.
Target has started rolling out more sustainable and natural cleaning supplies, though sadly, a lot of them are still packaged in plastic, so if you happen to have one near your college and you don't have a better option that offers refillable options (I know my college didn't!), that might be a decent place to start. I've seen a lot more concentrates and refillable bottles on their shelves lately, which is promising. If I can find the laundry brand name, I'll try to add it on to this thread. Good luck with your search and with college! :)
