May 13, 2008

Fresno State is talking trash.

Last year, the campus reduced trash that went to landfills by 100 tons and composted more than 1,000 tons and efforts should increase those numbers even more this year.

A recently signed contract with Fresno-based Sunset Waste will allow Fresno State to receive 100 percent of the campus recycling proceeds.

In addition to regular trashcans, 50 new recycling bins for paper, cans and bottles were placed on campus on Sept. 1. The campus also recycles paper and cardboard, and hopes to expand to all things recyclable. 

The office of Procurement and Support Services has committed to purchasing goods and services that promote environmental stewardship and effective sustainability practices. The university is working toward purchasing recycled products instead of non-recycled products, as long as fitness and quality standards are equal and the recycled product is available at no additional costs.

“Fresno State is continually working on ways to increase recycling efforts that will lead to a reduction in the contribution to nearby landfills and meet state and federal mandates of increasing recycling efforts,” said Ryan McCaughey, grounds manager for Plant Operations.

“We invite faculty, staff and students to join us by recycling plastic, bottles and cans, glass containers and cardboard.”

In addition to efforts in campus offices and on the grounds, an outdoor recycling center, located on Barstow Avenue between Maple and Chestnut avenues, accepts paper, plastic, bottles and cans, and glass containers. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.csufresno.edu/recycling.