UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 32, Page 7
May 19, 1994
Careless contamination hurts recycling efforts

     It takes just one rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel, according to
the old adage. Today, it takes just a few careless people to spoil a whole
ton of recyclable office paper.
     This year alone, two tons of office paper have been returned to the
University by the vendor as unacceptable for recycling because of
contamination, according to Roger Bowman, grounds supervisor and
coordinator of the University's recycling program. The result is less
material being recycled, more trash is in the landfill and there is an
increased cost for the recycling program.
     As in any activity or new program, there is initial enthusiasm and
effort and then a tendency to let things slide. In this case, some of the
no-no's sliding into blue paper-recycling containers include aluminum cans,
lunch bags, pens, pencils, cardboard boxes, plastic, paper towels and
napkins, according to Bowman.
     Another indication of a reduction in overall recycling is that the
amount of paper being collected is half what it was last year at this time.
While some of this may be attributed to the increased use of electronic
mail, there is probably less recycling on campus, Bowman said.
     "While almost everyone on campus agrees that recycling is important
for the environment, we need renewed cooperation from everybody across the
campus to make the program a success. I would like to hear from anyone who
has suggestions on improving the program or who needs specific assistance
in their office recycling," Bowman said.
     He can be reached at 831-2624 or e-mail him at Recycle.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure