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Recycling Program

Recycling Program

It is with considerable pride that we do our part as environmental stewards at Norfolk State University, as we continue to evaluate and adapt to the changing environmental needs of the campus committed to recycling the materials it uses and to minimizing non-hazardous waste. It is the responsibility of every member of the campus community to support these efforts that will protect our environment by conserving resources and preserving rapidly diminishing landfill space. The Recycling Program is just one part of a much larger program of activities through which Norfolk State University takes an increasingly active role in further understanding and preservation of our environment in the years to come.

Accomplishment

Energy & Sustainability completed Recycling - Phase 1 - Inside with Recycling/Trash containers inside (Wilson Hall, Nursing Bldg., and Library) establishing the Recycling Program with the supported containers outside and inside.

  • Energy & Sustainability Recycling Program reported Single-Stream to be sorted-Avg. 1st 3 months of Recycling Contract divert roughly 2477 pounds per month or 6.23 tons per year and Shredded Document paper 42,211 lbs OR 19.15 tons per year to the Virginia.
  • Energy & Sustainability reported Recycling Rate Tonnage to Department of General Services (DGS) making NSU the 1st HBCU in Virginia to be compliant with Executive Order 17 Recycling.

Solar-Powered Waste, Recycling Bins Deployed Across Campus

Norfolk State University continues to work toward a smarter and greener campus. The University, via Facilities Management (Energy & Sustainability), has deployed 20 Bigbelly bins across campus, including the fully enclosed Bigbelly solar-powered smart waste compactor, battery-powered compactor and recycling bins. The bins are installed on the main lawn, common areas, student centers, stadium, tennis courts, baseball field and more.

The use of Big Bigbelly Solar, Inc.’s bins will help achieve sustainability goals by implementing uniform waste management, recycling, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through reduced collections, and preventing plastics pollution.

Bigbelly smart bins use a software platform to provide real-time information on the status of the bins, reporting overflow or other issues. An automated collection report lists bins that need to be emptied before they reach capacity. The solution will aid in making smarter decisions about collection to prevent overflow and litter for a cleaner campus environment.

Using the Bins

Students and staff are encouraged to play an active role in our sustainability efforts by placing recycling and waste items in the appropriate Bigbelly container for proper disposal. As a reminder, items that may be recycled include cardboard, newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, file folders, water bottles, steel cans, tin cans, aluminum, milk/juice cartons and soup containers.

Do not recycle: Food waste, restroom waste, medical waste, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, ceramics, heat-resistant glass, Styrofoam and household waste.

 

Recycling Presentation