Current PSU Initiatives

UNIVERSITY RECYCLING CENTER

The University Committee on Energy and Resource Conservation is pleased to announce the establishment of the University Recycling Center.  The University Recycling Center is located in an area adjacent to Quick Print (106 Whitesitt Hall) and is ready to accept white office paper, colored office paper, mixed office paper (white and color unsorted), newsprint, mixed paper (gloss, coated, etc.), cardboard, aluminum beverage cans, and plastic beverage containers.  Materials submitted by the campus community for recycling will be picked up on a regular basis by staff at the Southeast Kansas Recycling Center.

The committee’s work in planning for recycling calls for phased implementation of various recycling efforts beginning with a Phase I effort described above to allow individual department offices and their staff to begin to recycle items commonly generated by the campus community.  Future phases will provide opportunities for recycling to take place from more public places within the building and grounds of the university, to look at other items that the university community can recycle, and to implement ways to reduce and reuse items.

Here are the details of how to participate in Phase I activities.

1. Offices may begin to collect items that fall into one of the categories of materials initially designated for recycling from within their individual office complex.
2. Given that the central depository is located in Quick Print in Whitesitt Hall and adjacent to the campus Mail Room, individuals are encouraged to bring recyclable items for drop-off on whatever frequency necessary, but in conjunction with their regular mail pick-up and drop-off in Whitesitt.
3. Initially, no containers are going to be provided for the purpose of collecting and delivering recycling.  Individuals and/or offices are encouraged to “recycle” boxes in which copy paper is delivered to use for recycling collection.  The plan is to eventually identify and purchase containers designated for office recycling.
4. Bring collected items for recycling to Quick Print to be dropped off with the staff in the Quick Print reception area.  If utilizing a copy paper box for collection and transport, the Quick Print staff will provide an empty box in exchange.
5. Sorting of recyclable items IS NOT mandatory, but is encouraged and recommended in order to assist with the process of preparing materials for pick-up by SEK Recycling.  Money will be received by the university from SEK Recycling for office paper.  This money will be utilized to fund the cost of recycling efforts.  Sorting the paper to prior to providing the materials to SEK Recycling will boost the payment received considerably.

For more information on the efforts of the University Committee on Energy and Resource Conservation visit our web site at www.pittstate.edu/erc/.

James Triplett, Chairperson – Department of Biology
Steve Erwin, Associate Vice President – Campus Life and Auxiliary Services
Co-Chairpersons
University Committee on Energy and Resource Conservation