West Chester University
There's more to recycling than setting out your recyclables at the curb. In order to make recycling economically feasible, we must buy recycled products and packaging. When we buy recycled products, we create an economic incentive for recyclable materials to be collected, manufactured, and marketed as new products. Buying recycled has both economic and environmental benefits. Purchasing products made from or packaged in recycled materials saves resources for future generations.
For more information, click on this link to the EPA Recycling Site.
Did you know that frying oil at all dining locations is recycled? By recycling the fryer oil WCU has greatly reduced the amounts of various pollutants produced. In 2007 we recycled enough oil and reduced the emissions of pollutants and green house gases that would be equivalent to planting 152 trees.In 2008, the reduction in green house gases would have been equivalent to planting 6,890 trees.
WCU's Recycling Program underwent a major revitalization in January 2008. Features of the new program include:
To avoid waste contamination in the recycled paper, 96-gallon Toters were placed in each building on campus to collect the mixed office paper. From there the paper is transported to a compactor used exclusively for mixed office paper. At the same time, containers for commingled items (aluminum, food cans, glass, and plastic) were cleaned, re-labeled, and re-positioned in the hallways of each campus building and classroom. Reaction to the new program has been very positive, and the amount of recycled paper has increased significantly. In the first six months of the new program WCU recycled 50% more paper than in all of the previous year.
WCU has a policy of selling surplus items at auction, particularly computer components. Most of the components recycled for parts.
Or check out more on Sustainable Dining at WCU
WCU participates in Recyclemania. Look our efforts up under Participating Schools.