Post contributed by Lindsay Souders, Student Employee, Waste Reduction and Recycling Department
One of the ways the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department is working to promote sustainability on campus is by recycling – diverting useful materials from the waste stream in an effort to reduce our dependence on landfills. To make recycling convenient for those who do not have access at their homes, condos or apartment complexes, the department has set up a recycling drop-off center open to all members of the Auburn Family.
The site is located on West Thach Avenue at the back of the West Campus Parking Lot near the Auburn University Band Practice Complex. There are separate bins for recycling mixed paper and recycling mixed containers, along with a dumpster for recycling cardboard.
Mixed paper includes copy and colored paper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, newspapers, inserts, phone books and dry food boxes. Mixed containers include plastic bottles, like water and soda bottles, sports drink bottles, milk jugs, shampoo and conditioner bottles, laundry detergent and fabric softener bottles, as well as aluminum cans and steel/tin cans. There are banners on the fence listing acceptable materials and labels on the bins directing visitors where to correctly put their recycling. The center does not accept garbage, glass, plastic bags or stuff in plastic bags. These things will contaminate the recycling.
It’s important to remember the three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle. Practicing them will reduce the amount of waste you produce. Adopting these habits now will set up a better future for all. Living sustainably is really about making small changes. The act of recycling fosters positive environmental attitudes and personal responsibility. It creates good habits and inspires us to develop new and better ways of managing and eliminating waste.
The Waste Reduction and Recycling Department manages waste contracts on campus and provides recycling services to the university community. The recycling program was established in 2005. For more information about recycling or the drop-off center, call 844-9461.
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Good information. Great job, Lindsay. Everyone recycle!