Campus Recycling is responsible for managing a comprehensive waste management system that focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling with disposal as a last resort. Campus Recycling is also actively engaged in outreach activities.
Oregon State University has had some form of recycling on campus since 1970. Beginning as a volunteer organization that gathered paper from a few buildings on campus, Campus Recycling has evolved into a key part of a comprehensive waste management program. In the wake of the 1991 Oregon Recycling Act, Campus Recycling was faced with the awesome task of finding ways to recycle 50% of its waste stream. The university accomplished this goal in 1997, three years ahead of the mandate goal, and has been increasing ever since.
Campus Recycling also sponsors a food and clothing drive in the residence halls at the end of each year when students are moving out. In recent years, we have collected more than 6,000 pounds of clothing, furniture, and housewares (donated to Vina Moses and Goodwill) and approximately 2,500 pounds of food (donated to Linn-Benton Food Share) every year.
OSU competes in Recyclemania, a nationwide recycling competition between universities, and placed 4th in the nation in 2008. In addition, Campus Recycling participates in the annual OSU Earth Week celebration, providing funding and logistical support and coordinating the Community Fair.
As we enter the twentieth century, Campus Recycling is preparing to shift its focus from waste reclamation to waste reduction. While recycling will always be a very important part of the total waste management strategy, it should be the last alternative. Through education and advocacy, OSU Campus Recycling hopes to raise awareness of wasteful habits and promote avenues for reuse and reduction of waste products. At the same time, Campus Recycling will continue to look for outlets for all of its recyclable commodities.
Other programs we work with include OSU Surplus Property, the Student Sustainability Initiative, and OSU Sustainability Office, and Allied Waste of Corvallis.