UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 27, Page 8
April 16, 1992
Campus recycling moving ahead

     Since February, nearly 5,000 blue containers have been decorating
University offices and standing behind academic buildings and dining
halls. Initially, the plastic buckets may seem very similar to garbage
cans, but closer inspection reveals the universal recycling symbol,
which designates them as special-purpose receptacles.
     Collecting nearly 8 tons of white paper, commingled paper, glass,
aluminum and metal cans in February, the University's new campus-wide
recycling program has proved to be quite successful, according to
Roger K. Bowman, grounds supervisor in plant operations and recycling
program coordinator.
     The effort has exceeded its expectations in other areas,
collecting approximately 4 tons of cardboard per week, Bowman said.
     The collection and handling of cardboard differs from using the
blue bins for recyclable paper, and recycling plastic and aluminum,
Bowman explained.
     Custodians in Dining Services and various academic buildings are
responsible for taking cardboard outside to be collected by grounds
personnel. The cardboard eventually is compressed into 500-pound
blocks, which are picked up weekly by White Line Recycling Co. of
Georgetown.
     Although the recycling program is working well, Bowman said,
there are contamination problems in the commingled paper recycling
sites, where low-grade paper, such as fax paper, glossy paper and
envelopes, is being disposed.
     Individuals also have been throwing non-recyclable
items--Styrofoam cups, lunch bags, newspaper, magazines, tissues and
paper towels--in the blue containers, he said. The recyclable paper
becomes contaminated and then cannot be recycled.
     Bowman emphasized that people should not put recyclable materials
in the blue containers outside buildings, which are used exclusively
by the custodians. If people bring recyclable paper to buildings, they
need to see the custodian and put the paper in clear plastic bags for
the custodian to dispose of.
     "It's going to be an educational process," said Bowman. He has
visited offices around campus to explain what can and cannot be placed
in the containers, he said.
     Based on volume, Bowman said, Delaware is one of the leading
states in recycling, with more than 20 percent of the population
participating in volunteer recycling programs.
     "We are doing over and above what the state is doing," he said,
referring to the University's current recycling effort and its plans
to expand the program in the future.
     For further information, contact Bowman via e-mail (MVS@recycle)
or by phone at 831-2624.
     -Karyn McCormack