Recycling at the University of West Florida has had a bad reputation for the past couple of years. Many concerned students have questioned the recycling services at the university and we’re right there with you. Does UWF recycle? And if so, what services are offered? Organizations on campus such as the Student Environmental Action Society (SEAS), SGA and the Marine Ecological Research Society (MERS) have all searched for answers and solutions.
We sat down with Les Wicker, UWF Facilities Program Manager, to get the most accurate scoop on recycling at UWF, and here’s what we found out:
- The University of West Florida does recycle!
- The university’s recycling contract is held by Republic Services.
- UWF’s contract covers plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard.
Although it’s relieving to discover that UWF is recycling, there are still some issues with the program. About a year and a half ago, the big recycling dumpsters were removed from UWF residence halls. The main reason the big dumpsters had to be taken away was because of the contamination found in them. Each time a dumpster is picked up by Republic Services and it contains over a certain amount of contamination, UWF gets charged $75 and the recycling gets sent to the landfill. As students, if we want to get recycling back and in full swing, then it’s on us to do it the right way. Learning how to recycle properly is our first step toward creating a more environmentally conscious campus.
So, since these dumpsters are gone from the residence halls, what can you recycle and where can you recycle it?
Paper and Cardboard
These items are accepted in the green big dumpsters and in the larger blue and green recycling carts. Blue dumpsters are for regular waste.
Green dumpsters accept paper & cardboard. Photo Courtesy: Haley McQueen
Blue dumpsters are for non-recyclable wastes. Photo Courtesy: Haley McQueen
Plastic and Aluminum
These items can be placed in the blue and green recycling carts or in the blue-topped recycling bags placed around campus.
These recycling bins can be used for mixed paper and card board (green) and aluminum and plastic (blue) Photo courtesy: UWF facilities
These containers accept plastic & aluminum. Photo Courtesy: Haley McQueen
To find a more detailed list of the items accepted by UWF’s recycling contract, you can visit the university’s recycling and waste website. Additionally, if you want to get involved in recycling awareness on campus, the Student Environmental Action Society (SEAS) is working with Mr. Wicker to promote recycling at UWF complete recycling audits and hold recycling education events. If interested in participating you can contact seas@uwf.edu. As Argos, it’s our responsibility to protect the planet and hold responsibility for our waste. I encourage you to join the recycling effort and make a difference!
Cover photo courtesy of CNN