2008 Woodie Awards
Recycling at Vanderbilt
Robyn Hyden
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News/Features
I recently spoke with Jennifer Hackett, Vanderbilt's new recycling coordinator, about her position and plans for the expansion of Vanderbilt's recycling program.
As Vanderbilt's new Recycling Coordinator, what is your job?
As recycling coordinator, I have analyzed the campus need for recycling, made recommendations for expansion, and created a strategic plan with which to implement a more comprehensive program over time. As budgetary funds receive approval, and partners come on board, I will oversee the implementation of the plan.
I understand that you interviewed faculty, staff, and students across campus last November to assess our recycling needs. What did you find?
I did assess the recycling needs of the academic and administrative buildings last winter and spring, starting in Nov. 2006. Interviews with faculty, staff and students helped to shape my understanding of what direction recycling at VU needed to take. I learned that the program, in operation for over 17 years, has a foundation that needs updating and expanding. The majority of the people interviewed said that they were interested in recycling as long as it wasn't difficult to do - and we are trying to shape the new program accordingly.
I heard that the increased numbers of recycling containers around campus are part of Vanderbilt's "pilot program" to analyze their expense and sustainability. How is the test program progressing?
The outdoor containers along the walkways are the newest addition to this year's increased recycling efforts. Recycling has gone up because the majority of what is captured in these containers was formerly tossed in the trash cans in the same locations. The outdoor recycling stations are being well used, and contamination with trash in these new containers is low. Students, faculty and staff have all reported using the outdoor containers, and feedback has been very positive.
What are the main obstacles to expanding recycling on
As Vanderbilt's new Recycling Coordinator, what is your job?
As recycling coordinator, I have analyzed the campus need for recycling, made recommendations for expansion, and created a strategic plan with which to implement a more comprehensive program over time. As budgetary funds receive approval, and partners come on board, I will oversee the implementation of the plan.
I understand that you interviewed faculty, staff, and students across campus last November to assess our recycling needs. What did you find?
I did assess the recycling needs of the academic and administrative buildings last winter and spring, starting in Nov. 2006. Interviews with faculty, staff and students helped to shape my understanding of what direction recycling at VU needed to take. I learned that the program, in operation for over 17 years, has a foundation that needs updating and expanding. The majority of the people interviewed said that they were interested in recycling as long as it wasn't difficult to do - and we are trying to shape the new program accordingly.
I heard that the increased numbers of recycling containers around campus are part of Vanderbilt's "pilot program" to analyze their expense and sustainability. How is the test program progressing?
The outdoor containers along the walkways are the newest addition to this year's increased recycling efforts. Recycling has gone up because the majority of what is captured in these containers was formerly tossed in the trash cans in the same locations. The outdoor recycling stations are being well used, and contamination with trash in these new containers is low. Students, faculty and staff have all reported using the outdoor containers, and feedback has been very positive.
What are the main obstacles to expanding recycling on
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David Drisdelle
posted 12/12/07 @ 7:05 PM CST
I use a small baler that plugs in any where and its on wheels (smaler than a refridgerator) to compact cardboard, alumininium, and plastic bottles. The baled materials each weigh 80 pounds and the cubes are only 20 inches on all sides. (Continued…)
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