Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Recycled Purchasing

In April 1993, Governor James Hunt signed Executive Order Number 8 outlining specific requirements for State agencies with respect to recycling, reducing solid waste, and purchasing products with recycled content. Waste reduction is mandated by Executive Order Number 8 with an established waste reduction goal of 40% by the year 2001.

The University has established waste reduction and recycling programs to comply with the State mandate. The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling coordinates current efforts through the Grounds division of Physical Plant with assistance from a volunteer network of faculty, staff, and student Recycling Monitors.

The University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations through continuous material management. Meeting that commitment and the goals of Executive Order Number 8 requires a conscious, University-wide effort in all of the following areas:

• Reduction of waste at the source: All departments are to manage operations to reduce the quantity or toxicity of waste produced. Such measures include, but are not limited to:
  • Printing reports and documents, whenever possible, on both sides of the paper
  • Updating mailing and distribution lists periodically to avoid overrun; use of e-mail whenever appropriate
  • Giving preferential purchasing consideration to products that are reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, less toxic, recyclable, and which avoid excess packaging.
• Reuse of material wherever possible: All products and materials should be reused wherever possible. Reuse is preferable to recycling.
• Recycling: It is the responsibility of every employee to separate identified recyclable materials and place them in appropriate recycling containers. Office paper, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum beverage cans should always be recycled in the appropriately marked container. Other materials are to be recycled whenever feasible and wherever containers are provided.
• Purchasing of products with recycled content: All units of the University are to purchase and use products manufactured from recycled materials whenever feasible. In particular, recycled content paper products should be used. It is important that all recycled purchases be reported to the Purchasing Department for statewide record keeping and reporting purposes.

In addition to the specific efforts above, all departments, divisions, and offices are encouraged to designate one employee as a Recycling Monitor who will serve as liaison to the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling.

The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling will work with the Recycling Monitors and the campus community to make recycling and waste reduction as convenient as possible. Active participation will trim unnecessary waste disposal costs, meet mandated waste reduction requirements, and will help the University meet its commitment to reduce the negative impact of operations on the environment.

Questions or suggestions regarding waste reduction and recycling should be directed to the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling at 334-5192, or at [email protected]. For information on recycled purchasing, and to report recycled purchases, contact the Purchasing Department at 334-5830.

Comments or questions? Email the Policy Administrator.