Expanded Paper Recycling Comes to the University of Utah
Article Written by FYI News for Faculty and Staff
-September 5, 2007 Edition
“Is this mailer recyclable?”
It’s a question being asked in offices all around campus. The U’s expanded recycling program was launched July 1. By now, all employees should have received a small blue recycling basket.
Larger blue bins have been placed in areas where higher volumes of paper are generated. The largest (blue street totes) are 65-gallon rolling bins used by the custodial staff to consolidate the paper and set it curbside for pickup and delivery to the recycler. All these blue bins are for recycling paper only—no cardboard, plastic, Styrofoam, food containers, aluminum, glass, etc.
The success of the new recycling program depends on each of us keeping the recycling stream clean—that is, it requires each of us to sort our recycling into two types of paper: Office Pack and Mixed Paper. This is important because the University is paid more for Office Pack ($145 per ton); and less for Mixed Paper ($45 per ton).
To help keep it simple, ASUU has come up with the phrase, “When in doubt, mix it out.”
We asked Associate Director of Custodial Services, Que Collard, who is overseeing the implementation of the project, a few questions.
FYI: How does the recycling program work?
Collard: The custodial staff collects the paper and puts it into street totes for curbside pick-up. It then goes to a recycler and is processed for the recycling market. Pre-program test sites recycled over 40 percent of the waste stream. It is the U’s goal to exceed that amount.
FYI: How much is this program costing the U?
Collard: The administration has committed more than $300,000 as one-time implementation funding—a bargain compared to the cost of other recycling programs. There are ongoing costs for the collection, consolidation, and hauling of recyclables, but Plant Operations will use the revenues collected from recycling to offset these costs.
FYI: What are the benefits to the U of recycling?
Collard: The recycling rate on campus is expected to increase by over 40 percent; it will reduce disposal volumes in landfills and conserve natural resources; and the University will be an example of leadership in sustainability efforts.
FYI: What are the downsides?
Collard: A big risk is that the recycling stream will be contaminated with inappropriate items causing the recycler to reject the recyclables. It is critically important that everyone place only approved materials in the various containers so the U can be paid by the recycler and receive revenues to cover the cost of the program. That’s why we have labels on all bins listing what’s acceptable to recycle. Also, although our employees are committed to making the program a success, it does create more work for the custodial and transportation staffs.
FYI: If you could give one message to everyone on campus regarding recycling, what would it be?
Collard: The success of the recycling program depends on each of us sorting recyclables at the source. Everyone needs to place recyclables in recycling containers and trash in trash containers. If people contaminate the recycling stream, the recycler has no other recourse but to reject the recyclables and we lose that funding. If we commit ourselves to this endeavor, we will have a successful recycling program. Sustainability will continue to be a focus at the U and recycling will play a big part. I encourage everyone to get involved because it’s the right thing to do.
*Note that the Office of Sustainability is a clearinghouse for information on sustainability initiatives being carried out by other departments and groups at the U of Utah. This article was created by the FYI News for Faculty and Staff. Please contact project leader Ann Floor directly to learn more details. (801) 585-3595. Contact by email.