5 questions for ... Joe Howze

Photo by Kanji Takeno

Facilities support services office and Aramark promote recycling

by Stuart Zang

Joe Howze, general manager for housekeeping services, discusses TU’s efforts to increase recycling on campus by participating in RecycleMania 2007.

What is RecycleMania?

RecycleMania is a friendly competition among college and university recycling programs all across America that provides campuses with a fun, proactive way to reduce waste.  This year's 10-week competition started January 28 and ends April 7. Schools compete in a variety of categories, to see which can collect the largest amount of recyclables and achieve the best recycling rate.

How did TU get involved in recycling and, more specifically, RecycleMania?

In 1996 TU’s facilities support services office tasked Aramark, the campus’ housekeeping services provider, with day-to-day management of TU’s recycling program. Aramark is responsible for advertising and promoting recycling on campus, and RecycleMania is a good way to get the word out. Last year, in its first year participating in RecycleMania, TU ranked an impressive 27 out of 87 participants. RecycleMania is growing rapidly—more than 200 schools signed up to participate this year. Our goal for 2007 is to rank within the top 30 percentile.

How much material did TU recycle during RecycleMania 2006?

We recycled 89 tons of corrugated cardboard, ranking us sixth out of 55 participants; 391 tons of mixed paper, ranking us 25th out of 62 participants; and eight tons of aluminum cans and eight tons of plastic bottles, ranking us 52nd out of 61 participants. Keep in mind that this volume represents only a 10-week period.

What materials are recyclable and where are drop-off points?

TU recycles mixed paper, cans, bottles and corrugated cardboard. Aramark has placed bins in academic and administrative buildings and residence facilities throughout campus, so everyone—faculty, staff and students alike—can join the effort. You can request additional recycling bins from the housekeeping office at x43396.

Where can faculty and staff find more information on recycling and RecycleMania?

They can contact me at x46223 or the recycling office at x43396. They can also contact Gina Conroy, facilities support services manager, at x42486. Or check out RecycleMania's Web site. We’re hoping for a big recycling effort during these final three weeks of competition.

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