Recycling and Reducing Consumption and Waste Subcommitee

Campus-Wide

  • We have a robust recycling program even without a formal 'program,' and do better than many other institutions.
  • 43% of 'trash' is being recycled through a combination of Landmark Trash Hauling, community drop-off bins for recycling, and metal recycling at Service Center.
    • During the school year, the College averages about nineteen tons of recyclable items and about sixty-one tons of solid waste per month. The items in the co-mingled recycling bins are taken by Landmark to Medina County's state-of-the-art central processing facility where the trash and recyclables are separated.
    • The community drop-off bins, open the second and fourth Saturday of every month between 9 AM-noon, collect material that is handled through the Wayne County Solid Waste District.
    • Metal is collected for recycling at the Service Center and goes to Metallic's Recycling.
  • We have redesigned information posters that indicate what materials can be recycled and what receptacles are used for recycling.
  • We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to facilitate further understanding of our recycling program.

Classrooms and Faculty Offices

  • Faculty offices are provided with both a trash basket and a recycling (blue) basket.
  • Older Macintosh computers are sent by IT staff to a Macintosh recycling program.

Custodial Services

  • The main chemicals used for cleaning purposes on campus are Green Seal certified products.
  • Toilet tissue and paper towels used in campus restrooms have recycled content and some is 100% bleach free.

Food Service

  • Hospitality Services saves used cooking oil to be converted to biodiesel.
    • The Wooster Inn catering van has been converted to run on biodiesel.
    • Two chemistry students are working during the 2007-2008 school year with Dr. Paul Edmiston to identify other campus vehicles (tractors, grounds equipment) to convert. This project is being supported by the Center for Creativity and Innovation.
  • Hospitality Services have developed a system to consolidate its food waste so that a smaller volume goes into the dumpster.
  • A reusable insulated cup program for students was instituted in January, 2008
  • China and stainless flatware service in Mom's Truckstop for dine-in meals 10 AM-4 PM weekdays to reduce the use of disposable products.
  • Hospitality Services student food operations now use biodegradable trash can liners.

Physical Plant and Grounds

  • Biodegradable campus yard waste is mulched and used on campus for a savings (in 2006/2007) of $18,000 that would have been used to purchase mulch.
  • Used motor oil and transmission fluid are put into barrels provided by private individuals who then use them for home or shop heating.
  • Used solvents and antifreeze are stored, picked up by a firm for cleansing, and replaced with cleansed materials.
  • A large percentage of building debris is recycled by contractors during building projects, including such things as old sidewalks/concrete being broken down into fill material.
  • Some materials are taken to the semi-annual appliance/hazardous waste drop-off events sponsored by Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District.
  • Parking blocks are made of recycled materials.
  • An environmentally friendly ice melt is used at entrances to campus buildings.
  • Equipment with two-cycle engines used by the Grounds crew are low-emission models.
  • More native plants and perennials are used in landscaping. These require less water and the perennials can be divided to use elsewhere.
  • The variety of turf grass used is a drought resistant variety.
  • Water usage for campus grounds is managed and monitored.
  • Content of trash bins on campus grounds go through the recycling stream.

Student Residences

  • Dorm rooms are provided with recycling baskets.
  • There are both recycling and trash dumpsters near every dorm.
  • At the end of the school year, clothing and other items discarded by students are now taken by Goodwill.