ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's Facilities Management was honored as a 2002 WasteWise Program Champion in the College/University division on Oct. 10 in Washington, D.C.

Last year, Ohio University's recycling program collected more than 1,200 tons of paper, 304 tons of metal and large amounts of other recyclables, including glass, yard trimmings, wood and textiles. It is estimated that Ohio University recycled about 50 percent of its waste in 2001.

"Winning this award was a team effort," said Ohio University Recycling and Refuse Manager Ed Newman. "The two Recycle Mania competitions we have participated in have helped get the campus focused on recycling and they have been a great tool to get more people involved in our efforts."

WasteWise also was impressed with Ohio University's Wastebusters, a group of volunteer students and residence hall staff members who serve as liaisons between the students and the Campus Recycling and Energy Conservation staff.

"It is an honor for Wastebusters to help Ohio University win this outstanding national award," said Ohio University senior Tara Harwood, co-founder and president of Wastebusters. "I'm proud that all of our hard work has made an impact and I hope it continues to benefit the community for years to come."

Newman says that one of his office's future goals is to recycle 80 percent of the University's waste, including dramatically increasing the amount of office supplies recycled.

WasteWise is a free, voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps organizations save money by reducing and managing their solid waste. For more information, contact the Recycling and Refuse Office at (740) 593-0231.