Carolina Recycling Association recognizes Clemson program

Published: June 15, 2010

By Emily White

CLEMSON — The Carolina Recycling Association has identified Clemson University as having the most effective on-campus recycling program in North and South Carolina. It has designated Clemson “Collegiate Program of the Year.”
 
The nomination committee of individuals from both states looked at programs’ integrated waste reduction, innovative aspects, ongoing educational components and volunteer contributions.
 
“Our focus today is on a broader goal of change that sets the stage for sustained growth,” said Dave VanDeventer, Clemson’s recycling manager. “We have overhauled our processes and added new categories. We got involved in Solid Green, Clemson University Environmental Committee and Facilities policies, working to change the mindset and policies that made it easy for people to send things to the landfill.”

VanDeventer said Clemson has seen a significant amount of growth in construction and demolition recycling, yard waste recycling, efficiency and education efforts in the past year.

During the 2008-2009 school year, Clemson recycled 175 tons of cardboard, diverted 184 tons of yard waste from landfills, maintained a 20 percent recycling rate of municipal solid waste and diverted 234.25 tons of construction and demolition waste from landfills.
 
Clemson Recycling also participated in Solid Green, Recyclmania, football game-day recycling and Earth Day events to help educate students about the importance of recycling.

The Carolina Recycling Association, established in 1989, is one of the longest-running associations of its kind. The chief goal of this nonprofit organization is to promote recycling and the recycling industry and, in turn, advance waste reduction in North and South Carolina. The CRA includes businesses, federal and state governments, local and state municipalities and individuals who strive to see an increase in waste reduction.

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