Single Stream Recycling

The Landfill Garbage Reduction Program

FACTS:

  • In the last 40 years, the United States has doubled the amount of waste being dumped into landfills.
  • Paper products make up almost 30 percent of the waste in landfills.
  • It is estimated that around 40 million newspapers are thrown away each day, resulting in the equivalent of around half a million trees ending up in landfills each and every week.
  • If we recycle one aluminum can, we are able to save enough energy to run a TV for around three hours.

       

    YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

    The University of Louisville is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the amount of garbage taken to the landfill.  Diversion rates have historically been around 35% since UofL started recycling in the early nineties.  WE CAN DO MORE.

    In an effort to recycle more and reduce our impact on the environment, a two-part program has been adopted by the University to decrease garbage and increase recycling.  The first part of this action plan is the new “Single Stream” recycling program.  “Single Stream” recycling is the process in which all recyclable items are placed in one container and are sorted off site at a recycling facility and then reused.  This is a lot like the recycling program we all participate in at our homes.  The second part to the program is garbage reduction.  The “star” of this program is the "Mini Bin" desktop garbage can.  This is a new concept that makes each individual responsible for the garbage that they generate.  The quart-sized can sits atop your desk.  The slogan on the "Mini Bin”, “This is all the GARBAGE I make,” is a constant reminder to recycle more and produce less garbage.

    SO HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? FOLLOW THESE THREE EASY STEPS.

      1. Start by placing all recyclable items into your desk-side recycling container.  This includes all paper, aluminum, plastic, glass and small cardboard boxes.  This container will now be emptied by our recycling staff nightly.  If you do not have a desk-side recycling container, your current trash can be converted with a new sticker provided by the University.
      2. Start using you new “Mini Bin” desktop garbage can for any item that is not recyclable.  This would include soiled tissues/napkins, apple cores, banana peels and any other items that can’t be recycled.
      3. When the “Mini Bin” desktop garbage can gets full or when you want to empty its contents, take it to the centralized garbage station located on every floor of every building on campus OR any campus restroom and empty it into the garbage container.

        THAT’S IT!  IT IS THAT EASY TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT.

        Printable list of recyclable items (pdf)

        More information about plastic recycling (pdf)

        Recycling questions?  Contact Physical Plant 502-852-6241.