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| Posted 09.09.05 |
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at Wesleyan
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 The University
Recycling Committee has implemented a new campus-wide recycling system.
Mixed paper, glass, metal, plastic, corrugated cardboard, batteries, printer
cartridges and even old furniture can now be collected and recycled.
“Recycling is required by law in Connecticut, and is the obligation of every
member of the Wesleyan community,” says Bill Nelligan, the Wesleyan
recycling coordinator and associate director of Environmental Health and
Safety. “We hope that the Wesleyan community will join this effort to make
Wesleyan a leader in waste reduction and environmental responsibility.”
Nelligan says recycling saves resources, energy, reduces pollution, cuts
generation of greenhouse gases and reduces disposal costs.
Members of the University Recycling Committee worked for a year on the
project, ordering new recycle bins, labels, creating brochures and designing
a Wesleyan Recycles Web site,
http://www.wesleyan.edu/recycling. The site
provides answers to frequently asked questions, a guide to reducing and
reusing items, recycling tips and links to the National Recycling Coalition
and the City of Middletown’s recycling information. A detailed list of what
can and cannot be recycled at Wesleyan is posted on this site.
Committee members are currently distributing recycling containers at
departments and residences campus-wide. Custodians will be responsible for
removing recycling materials from the hallways and trash rooms and place
them in the appropriate outdoor container.
Nelligan test-trialed the new recycle bins in Physical Plant. He placed the
bins under staff people’s desks.
“It took 30 days for one office person to fill a trash two-thirds of the way
full. Everything else he would haven thrown away was recyclable,” Nelligan
says. “Recycling is definitely working at Physical Plant, and we’re hoping
it can work campus-wide.”
Ninety-five-gallon recycling bins have been scattered in 30 locations around
campus.
Major recycling categories are mixed paper, glass/metal/plastic and
corrugated cardboard.
Paper products that can be recycled include white/colored paper, envelopes,
manila folders, carbonless office forms, newspapers, magazines,
hardback/paperback books, junk mail and corrugated cardboard.
Glass/metal/plastic items that can be recycled include plastic containers,
glass jars, bottles, beverage cans, milk and juice boxes, aluminum food
containers and clean aluminum foil are recyclable.
Paper, cardboard and glass/metal/plastic bins are available at locations
around campus.
Styrofoam, batteries, florescent bulbs, computers and electronic equipment,
printer cartridges, motor oil, scrap metal and even old dorm furniture and
mattresses also can be recycled. For more information on where to drop these
items off at, visit
http://www.wesleyan.edu/recycling/where-category.html.
To order a bin, or for additional information, visit the Wesleyan Recycles
Web site at or call 860-685-2771. For pick up call 860-685-3400 or e-mail
recycling@wesleyan.edu. |
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| By
Olivia Bartlett, The Wesleyan Connection
editor |
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