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Boston College officials are urging students to "save that stuff" when it comes to paper and plastic goods.
The University has added more recycling bins throughout Middle Campus, put decal stickers on the side of recycling containers, and subcontracted its recycling agreements to "Save That Stuff," a company that gets its jobs from Browning Ferris Industries. The company handles the approximately 3,000 tons of recyclables BC collects each year.
The updates are meant to encourage the BC community to increase its recycling efforts by making it easier for people to see what is recyclable and where recyclables should go.
"We're in the process of updating the signage," said Gerard Boyle, assistant director of auxiliary services. "[Decals] used to be on the top but now they'll be on the side." Furthermore, blue recycling barrels for paper will be added to classrooms in response to requests from students.
Five new recycling containers for Middle Campus have been acquired, making a total of eight bins on Main Campus. This development was helped by a petition distributed by EcoPledge, a student group that promotes environmental awareness. Approximately 1,400 faculty members, staff, and students signed the petition pledging to recycle more often.
The biggest visual update is the "Save That Stuff" truck that will be collecting recyclables every Tuesday. The truck is a natural trash compactor dedicated solely to recycling. Prior to its use, the same truck came to pick up both garbage and recyclables, a sight that Boyle said might have raised concern among students.
"I think because it was a very similar type truck, being the same color and everything," said Boyle. "They saw the same truck picking up garbage and recycling around campus and students might have felt that we weren't recycling."
A new program will seek to bring recycling even closer to students by placing two recycling receptacles on two floors of Cheverus and Williams Halls on Upper Campus. Should it prove successful, the program might be expanded.
"They will have the actual opportunity to put the recycling in the hallway rather than walking downstairs or walking to the lounge to the toter," said Richard Range, manager of housekeeping and utility services. "We're just trying to bring it one step closer to the students."
Paper and plastic aren't the only things that are suitable to be recycles. Range said separate boxes for batteries and ink cartridges have been placed in all laundry rooms to promote safe disposal. Wood, metal, and yard waste can be brought to the recycling center located on Brighton Campus.
While the toters and new truck are the most visible signs of recycling on campus, Range said students should not discount other items that have been or will be recycled.
"We're recycling furniture to be delivered to South America through a program," said Range. "Over the summer we threw out toilets from 600 units and that was recycled."
Range also said tires are recycled and used in asphalt. Old Astroturf from Alumni Stadium was not thrown out, but rather given to a local high school.
"That whole field might have been just to put into dumpsters or landfills," said Boyle.
Talks of recycling materials from 66 Commonwealth Ave. when it is renovated this summer are also in the works.
Behind the scenes recycling continues at the dining halls, specifically Corcoran Commons' trash conveyor belt.
"People in Lower Campus see their recyclables go on the tray, but they don't understand there are people in the back who are trained to put the recyclables in one bucket," Range said.
Both Range and Boyle said students who want to go to the recycling facility have the opportunity to do so.
"We think we're doing a good job, but we're trying to communicate to students how much they can actually do," said Range.
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