Bins clear recycling confusion

They're everywhere. Recycling receptacles across campus, normally lined all in a row, reading in no particular order: Aluminum Cans, Magazines, Mixed (Colored) Paper, Newspaper, White paper, and, of course, Trash.\nBut what about plastic?\nSome confusion has set in across IU regarding whether or not plastics can be recycled. \n"The recycling policy is very unclear across campus," said Alison Waske, president of the Environmental Law Society. She explained that in one particular instance, even a maintenance worker at the law school was unsure as to whether or not plastics are recycled at IU. \nIn fact, IU does indeed recycle plastics. \nTeddie Phillipson-Mower, representative on the Council for Environmental Stewardship, said the plastic bottles placed in the aluminum can receptacles around campus are sorted out and recycled separate from the cans. \nShe went on to explain that the signage on the bins does not indicate plastics may be recycled, which leads one to believe that there is no alternative to plastic disposal than through the trash can. \nGreg Fichter, assistant director of Building Services, offered a very logical solution to this problem. He explained that in the near future, IU will begin placing bins made specifically for recycling plastics around campus. Some bins have already been placed throughout residence halls, and some buildings, such as the law school, have not only plastic receptacles, but glass as well. \n"Residential Programs and Services began recycling plastics in fall 2000. In the eleven single-housing halls, recycle bins are in all lobbies as well as on most floors," said Steve Akers, associate director of environmental operations.\nFichter told students to watch in the next few weeks for the new plastic recycling receptacles throughout the rest of campus. \nRecycling has become a problem recently. Phillipson-Mower explained "cans were used more when the recycle bins were originally implemented on campus," indicating a rapid growth in plastic usage in the past few years.\nAnother reason recycling plastics has become a recent issue may lie within the University's completion of a new recycling contract. \nThe contract moves IU's recyclables from being sorted and processed by Monroe County Solid Waste Management District to the much more convenient Hoosier Disposal. \n"Hoosier Disposal does not require as strict of sorting of the recycled materials as did the SWMD," said Mike Keen, purchasing contract manager. "The only material change from the old recycling contract to the new one is the name of the vendor." \nAkers claims the success of IU's recycling program lies with RHA environmentalists, who educate students and faculty through bulletin boards and announcements, RPS environmental operations staff, who empty receptacles, recycling program allies, who might include residence management staff, resident assistants, UD advisors, dining services staff, desk staff, maintenance staff and many others. The program, of course, depends heavily on the residents, students and faculty who make an effort to recycle. \nWhile steps are being taken to recycle plastics more around campus, the real problem is still at hand. Phillipson-Mower explained.\n"The real effort should be to decrease use of plastics altogether. Even when plastics are recycled they are often made into non-biodegradable items, and there is an enormous amount of energy needed to recycle them."\nShe suggested using plastics more than once to help conserve: Carrying refillable coffee mugs or refilling empty water bottles.\nOf course, the use of plastic cannot be cut out altogether. Phillipson-Mower urged people to drop off their empty bottles in aluminum can or plastic recycle receptacles where available until they are implemented throughout the rest of campus. Contact your building manager or the Council for Environmental Stewardship for more information regarding recycling of any sort.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Tommy \nWilson at thwwilso@indiana.edu.