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Recycling Bulletin

Bulletin Archive: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

March 10, 1999
Bulletin #5
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Welcome to a new format for CU’s Recycling Bulletin! Several suggestions were made for more information and a bigger picture of what’s happening around the region and the nation. We hope you enjoy it. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed. Please contact us via e-mail at cure@stripe.colorado.edu, or call 492-8307, or visit UMC 331
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In this Bulletin:

• 1. Campus Recycling Report
• 2. Local Recycling Info: County Facility Moves Ahead
• 3. Industry News: 1999 Forecast Not Optimistic
• 4. Frightening Fact: Coloradans Rank Low on Recycling
• 5. Glimmer of Hope: America Recycles Day Successes
• 6. Get Involved / Upcoming Events: In-Office Trainings, Campus Earth Summit, SWAB

1. *************** Campus Recycling Report ***************

646 tons were recycled between July and December of this fiscal year, which is 43 tons more than the same period last year. The 7.1% increase is attributable mainly to gains in office pack and cardboard collections. Importantly, the office pack increase reverses a decline documented last year.

Through December, the following resource and energy savings have been accrued through recycling at CU:
* 9,849 trees
* 34,782 pounds of air pollution
* 4 million gallons of water
* 2,897 cubic yards of landfill space
* 25,783 gallons of gasoline

New materials which were implemented last Semester continue to be favorably received by students, faculty, and staff. Approximately 100 toner cartridges are now ready to be sold. Bundles of diskettes, transparencies, and tyvek envelopes are ready to be shipped. Magazines and catalogs are also being collected for recycling at 30 campus locations.

The Athletic department recently announced plans for a new fieldhouse complex which would displace CU Recycling’s facility. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most pressing issues CU Recycling management staff will face in the upcoming months. Work is already proceeding on alternative sites and funding strategies.

2. *************** Local Recycling Info ***************

CU Editorial Piece Published Around the County

The Chair of the CU Environmental Board and CU’s recycling director co-authored a letter which was published in several newspapers around the County last month. The editorial took issue with critics of the Boulder County Recycling and Composting Authority and pointed out some of the positive things happening through the tax funded entity. Over $108,000 in grant funding has been allocated to over 30 programs around the County, for instance. New programs for recycling and waste reduction have been developed as a result.

County Recycling Facility Moving Ahead

Despite delays, the Boulder County MRF (materials recycling facility) is a step closer to reality as site plans and designs were made available to the public recently. Several features have been added, including a commercial recycling area and railroad access. CU’s Recycling director is keeping abreast of the project, which may offer the campus program increased recycling opportunities and greater convenience for students, faculty, and staff.

3. *************** Industry News ***************

Annual Forecast for Recycling Not Optimistic

Resource Recycling magazine reports 1999 will be another challenging year for the recycling industry. One of the main reasons sited is the continued financial difficulties of world economies. With low demand for recyclables from other countries, prices paid to programs like CU’s are expected to remain depressed.

4. *************** Frightening Fact ***************

Coloradans recycle only 17% of our trash, ranking 36th among U.S. states, according to a BioCycle magazine survey that caught the attention of the Denver Post and local TV stations.

Despite Colorado’s national reputation for environmental concerns, our lack of recycling is blamed on the low cost of landfilling here and poor state leadership. States ranking better than Colorado, such as as Minnesota -- at 46% -- generally have higher landfill fees, have legislated recycling mandates, and set aside money to promote recycling programs and reduce solid waste.

5. *************** Glimmer of Hope ***************

44 states participated in the second America Recycles Day, held last November 15. Over 5,000 events were held around the country. Here in Colorado, the number of events doubled from last year to 185.

6. *************** Get Invovled ***************

In-Office Trainings
Whether your office is full of expert recyclers or you just need a refresher, CU Recycling’s presentation can answer all of your questions about recycling, the services we offer, recycled product availability, and how to reduce waste in your office. Free coffee mugs are provided. Call 492-8307 to schedule.

Solid Waste Advisory Board quarterly meeting
Thursday March 18
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
UMC 230
Annual Campus Earth Summit
Join students, faculty, and staff for presentations and discussion on CU’s environmental reforms and improvements needed.
April 21-22
UMC

Subscribe to the CU Recycling Bulletin

The Recycling Bulletin is circulated via a closed list;  only CU Recycling has access to the rest of the subscriber list.  Subscribers' names and e-mail addresses are not available to any other group or used for any other purpose.

About University of Colorado at Boulder Recycling

The University of Colorado's recycling program is a non-profit, campus-based organization whose mission is to instill awareness of the benefits of waste reduction and recycling.  CU Recycling is widely regarded as one of the nation's leading campus programs. Awards have been given by such groups as the EPA, National Recycling Coalition, and the Office of Federal Environmental Executive, who in 2000, announced CU Recycling the model campus program in the United States.

The university community is encouraged to get involved in CU Recycling's many activities.  For more information, call (303)492-8307 or visit http://www.colorado.edu/recycle

Please recycle this information: talk about it, pass it on, or post it!