Penn State waste recycling program proclaimed best of the best

Penn State has been recognized for the successful implementation of waste reduction strategies, reports The Daily Collegian.

The National Recycling Coalition honoured Penn State with 2014 Outstanding Higher Education Award for its recycling and community outreach programs.

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Penn State’s waste management system was distinguished as one of the “Best of the Best “out of the 70 universities present in the final list.

The state designed a diverse program with maximum participation ensured by locals along with the support of university faculty, staff and students.

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In addition, the efficient Möbius waste stream expanded support by composting and recycling to every campus office and residence hall to promote proper waste reduction habits, said, Al Matyasovsky, program manager, Office of Physical Plant, Solid Waste Operations.

The Möbius filters out biodegradable, recyclable and reusable materials from a traditional single waste stream.

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By separating trash into separate streams and reusing more than 100 materials, Penn State diverts 65 percent of its waste from the landfill each year, commented, Alex Novak, communications manager, OPP, Sustainability Institute.

Collaborative efforts between housing, OPP and campus dining made the Möbius program’s success possible. It’s a complete university-wide effort, Novak said.

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Ultimately, Penn State wants to expand its current program. Composting and recycling Styrofoam can improve waste reduction by another 20 percent.

The National Recycling Coalition is a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members dedicated to expanding waste management and conservation programs nationwide.

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The award promotes organizations with exceptional recycling programs to accelerate the amount of waste diverted from landfills. Penn State’s recycling program is “noteworthy” and “progressive, explained, Mark Lichtenstein, president, CEO, NRC.

The recognition is more significant as this was the first time in eight years the NRC gave an Outstanding Higher Education Award.

Sabena Wahid
[email protected]