The
Michigan Recycling Coalition has recognized
Michigan State University (MSU) as the 2010 Recycler of the Year.
Not only is the
main recycling facility in the process of being LEED-certified at the silver level,
MSU
has expanded recycling collection to 553 campus buildings. It is one of
the few local recycling centers that collect all plastics, numbers one
through seven.
“We are thankful for the recognition for
basically working toward our goal,” says Jennifer Battle, assistant
director for the MSU
Office of Campus Sustainability, a branch of the university that
promotes environmental stewardship on multiple levels.
It
has been less than a year since the 74,000 square-foot recycling
facility opened, but it is keeping busy. The $13 million building is
home to the MSU
Surplus Store, recycling processors, offices, storage space, a compost and scrap metal collection area and a truck scale.
“The facility itself is a demonstration of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Battle.
In 2007, MSU was recognized by the
American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) with a Campus Sustainability Leadership Award. In 2008, the
National Wildlife Federation recognized MSU’s campus as one of the top five in the nation.
“MSU is a workhorse when it comes to these things,” Battle says. “But we still have work to do.”
Sources: Jennifer Battle, MSU University Relations
Writer: Andy Balaskovitz
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.