Recycling at UT

Recycling was taken off the UT campus during the fall 1996 semester.

Currently, concerned students and members of UT’s Environmental Protection Coalition (EPC) have begun to reintroduce pilot programs across the campus.

The program began in ResComm, a residential housing complex on campus. Here the students were encouraged, at first, to recycle aluminum cans. Then, bins for plastic bottles and glass were added. All bins were located in the clubhouse.

Here are 3 containers, from left to right; glass, cans, plastic.

These containers are located in the ResComm clubhouse.

Next, NewHall, another residential dorm, was added. Here students were encouraged to recycle items in the same order as ResComm. Bins were located in the laundry room.

Soon, bins will be located in McKay, another dorm. Again, students will be encouraged to recycle in the same order.

Since its introduction during the Fall 1999 term, over 1,000 cans, 250 glass bottles, and 100 plastic containers have been recycled by UT students.

The goal is to have all dorms recycling by Earth Day 2000 (April 22).

This is just a small collection taken from one dorm room participating in the recycling program.

People who have helped to make this possible

*Mark Driscoll, EPC Vice President and Recycling Coordinator, for coordinated the program and volunteering his time to take recyclables from UT to city bins located behind the Wal-Mart on Dale Mabry.

*HOME DEPOT for donated several bins to EPC’s cause and also placing one bin in their break room.

*EPC members who have volunteered their time to pick up cans from Home Depot.

Proceeds from can recycling are divided so that 25% goes to helping ensure future recycling efforts through supplies. The remaining 75% will be donated to a local environmental group.