subject: How Colleges Can Cash In On Recycling [print this page] Colleges have a distinct advantage when it comes to initiating a successful recycling project. The majority of students and staff found on college campuses are intelligent and at least somewhat idealistic. They understand the environmental impact of wastefulness and pollution and they are willing to learn new skills and habits. Simply providing recycling bins is, very often, all it takes to get college students and teachers to participate in a recycling project.
The cash benefits to a recycling project are simple and substantial. Colleges pay hefty fees for the collection, transportation and disposal of garbage. This garbage, very often, contains more recyclable materials than trash. Beverage containers, food service containers and documents make up the majority of materials transported to overly full landfills unnecessarily.
Conduct A Trash Audit
Colleges can contact recycling service companies for a trash audit that will provide a reasonable estimate of just how much their trash volume and expense can be reduced with recycling bins being strategically placed throughout the campus. Cafeterias and libraries are ideal locations for recycling bins to collect beverage containers and discarded documents.
School administrators may not fully understand the extent of their garbage expense. In Seattle, Virginia Mason Hospital recently enjoyed a $170,000 a year reduction in their garbage expense after initiating the use of recycling bins. In addition, the amount of garbage this institution was contributing to landfills was reduced by 80%. Certainly, colleges could use that kind of savings to help pay for teachers and educational materials.
Beautiful Bins For Recycling
One frequent complaint about recycling bins was their appearance. This is no longer the case. Attractively designed for durability and easy cleaning, bins for recycling can feature the college logo or mascot or they can be color-coordinated to match the decor of the campus. Recycling bins are now made from a variety of materials in a wide range of sizes and shapes, to fit nearly every need or decor.
Bins for recycling are clearly labeled with the material to be deposited, simplifying the process. Attractive and conveniently located, bins for recycling can be used as a promotional, as well as educational, school wide event. No longer ugly eye sores, bins for recycling can now be attractive reminders of social responsibility.
A Positive Net Result
By installing and promoting the use of recycling containers, college campuses can reduce their trash expense and their carbon footprint significantly. These actions are then seen by school board officials, community leaders and philanthropists as positive indicators of the success and responsiveness of the campus, making future concessions and contributions more likely.
In addition, the local community members will see the college campus as responsible neighbors, rather than an intrusion to be fought against. The successful use of recycling containers will improve a college's reputation, as well as its social performance as an educator and example to better living. The simple use of recycling containers can provide colleges with a better reputation and more cash in their coffers.
