Volume 11
Number 1
Spring 2002

U-M "Leaders and Best" ... in Recycling!:

Recycling Efforts Recognized by National Recycling Coalition

The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) recognized the leadership of the University of Michigan with The Outstanding School Program Award on January 14, 2002 during the 20^th Annual Congress & Exposition in Seattle, Washington. "The NRC Awards Program brings to the national spotlight the commitment, dedication and innovation of individuals, companies and organizations that show great accomplishments in recycling and source reduction," said Paul Baldridge, president of the NRC. "It is important to the NRC to highlight these accomplishments to demonstrate to others in community and business settings how high the bar can be set."

Selection of award winners was based on several criteria including coverage and longevity of the program, innovativeness, effect on recycling and the waste management hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle), shareability, economics, education and outreach, and leadership. Fiscal year 2000 programs highlighted in the award application included the Michigan Stadium recycling program that effectively collected over 22 tons of materials for recycling, the many University Housing programs such as the student move-in recycling program, the student move-out donation collection program, the food waste composting program, and the furniture replacement program. Pollution Prevention initiatives through Occupational Safety and Environmental Health were also credited for contributing to the waste diversion efforts on campus. The use of microscale chemistry techniques reduces the amount of chemicals required to perform undergraduate chemistry experiments, thereby reducing chemical waste generation. Additionally, a chemical redistribution program supports the sharing of unused chemicals between labs. The resale of used University-owned equipment for over 60 years through Property Disposition, and the redistribution of outdated medical supplies, beds, mattresses and wheelchairs by the University of Michigan Health System were all noted in the award application. Letters of support from Chris Kolb, State Representative, 53^rd District; Rebecca Head, Director of Washtenaw County Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services; and Ramsey Zimmerman, Executive Director for the Michigan Recycling Coalition validated the leadership the University of Michigan has shown.

During fiscal year 2000, over 3,600 tons of various materials were recycled; over 5,100 gallons of hazardous fluids were recycled or properly disposed of and over $1.3 million dollars were generated through the resale operation.

As Recycling Coordinator, receiving national recognition is an honor and a thrill. There are many great programs across campus to divert materials from the waste stream and more importantly, many great people who are dedicated to making these programs work. Participation in these programs is what makes the University of Michigan # 1!

~ Sarah Archer, Recycling Office

Sarah Archer, Recycling Coordinator (center) and Jeff Schroeder, University Housing Facilities Management Systems Coordinator (right) accept the award for NRC Outstanding School Program.