ATHENS, Ohio (March 28, 2000) -- Ohio University is the leading state school in diverting materials away from waste and here are a few ways we can keep this distinction.

Last summer we managed to find someone who recycles the styrofoam chunks that come in computer and other boxes for packaging. So, if you get styrofoam packaging chunks, please package them up in a bag or box and place in a recycling area inside or outside the building.

We should note that there are primarily two kinds of packing chunks out there. The one we can recycle is EPS or Expandable Polystyrene. EPS is not shiny and is made up of tiny balls of material. The shiny stuff called PE or Polyethylene has larger balls and is harder to break. Please, we are NOT collecting polystyrene food packaging, just packing material. We still collect packing beads. Just secure them in a bag or box and set out for recycling pickup in or outside of your building.

Another item that we can start collecting is foam from upholstery and mattresses. As with styrofoam and other recyclables we collect, put this material in an inside or outside recycling collection point for pick up.

Spring quarter is here and although it seems a long way off right now, June will be here soon enough. So if you are a student, we will have reusable sites set up out by the recycling and trash disposal areas of your building beginning May 19th. Memorial Day begins the following week, so this would be a good weekend to clear out your room before the end of the quarter crunch.

We estimate that around 90% of what is discarded for move-out is reusable or recyclable, so please do what you can to keep recyclable items and materials out of the trash. If you plan ahead before move-out begins, you can maximize recyclables and reusables recovered from what you aren't taking with you when you leave. The May 19th start gives you three weeks to leisurely move this material out instead of just clearing it out hastily on the day you leave. For a comprehensive list of what is recyclable or reusable see the web site below.

For all faculty and staff who are clearing out for the summer, retiring or just cleaning out your area, Campus Recycling will help you by providing you with containers to fill. Let us know when they are ready to be picked up and we will come and get them and bring you more empties if needed until the job is done. All you have to do is call us up at 593-0231 or e-mail us at newmane@ohio.edu to make arrangements. For more information you can refer to our web page at http://www.physplnt.ohiou.edu/about/recyinfo.html Thanks and have a great spring!