Stony Brook University is one of more than 600 universities internationally to participate in RecycleMania 2013, which challenges colleges and universities to compete for stewardship bragging rights over which institution can reduce, reuse and recycle the most waste. During an eight-week period from February 3 to March 30, participating schools compete in various categories measuring the success of their recycling, waste reduction and sustainability efforts.
“We are stepping up our efforts to win it all this year,” said James O’Connor, Director of Sustainability and Transportation Operations at Stony Brook University. “In order to promote recycling and waste reduction, we are offering complimentary shredding services, recycling receptacle drop off for office spring cleanings, electronics recycling and waste minimization through junk mail elimination.”
In 2012 the University placed 17th out of 296 entries in the competition’s Gorilla category, which ranks universities on the total weight of bottles, cans, cardboard and recycled paper collected. This category’s ranking was the highest of any college or university in New York State. Stony Brook also placed eighth out of 67 entries in the E-Waste category for the total weight of recycled electronic waste.
“We are proud of our RecycleMania 2012 success and can’t wait for this year’s competition,” said O’Connor. “Stony Brook continues to make substantial improvements in the field of recycling by increasing the number of receptacles, installing new signage and increasing the amount of products we recycle.”
The Office of Sustainability is also supporting the Project 50 Forward Managed Output Project (MOP) led by the Division of Information Technology and Procurement Office. MOP is reviewing paper usage, working to decrease the University’s carbon footprint and to develop solutions to reduce, recycle and implement output savings.
“During the past year this project saved 800,000 pages per semester simply by removing student cover pages from TLT Sinc Site printing output,” said David Ecker, Information Technology Manager. “The Library has also installed several multi-function devices that allow students to scan important library materials into their personal USB drive at no charge. Plans for the future include implementing a comprehensive University toner recycling program and looking for ways to streamline document workflow throughout the campus.”
Click here to track Stony Brook’s RecycleMania results.
For more information or to learn how to participate, please contact the Office of Sustainability at (631) 632-9673, (631) 632-6219 or via email at sustainability@stonybrook.edu.
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