Recycle UT :: eTorch May 2008

UT Steps Up Recycling

This is the first in a three-part series for young alumni to highlight recycling, the Make Orange Green campaign, and the future of recycling at UT.

If you graduated more than five years ago, you may notice something different on campus. Sleek recycling bins are now located in almost all campus buildings. The UT Recycles program has existed since the early 1990s, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2003, when UTK hired its first full time recycling coordinator, that the program blossomed.

Sarah Surak ’03, ’06, herself a UT young alum, began working with the recycling program as president of Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville (SPEAK). After she graduated, UT hired her to expand campus recycling efforts. UT now serves as a leader and a model in both the state and the Southeast in terms of recycling. Thanks to a pilot program run by the Baker Center Scholars three years ago, all residence hall rooms are equipped with recycling bins. Students grow so attached to the bins they often ask if they can take them home at the end of the semester!

Each year, UT participates in RecycleMania, an annual competition among colleges and universities across the country. UT consistently ranks in the top of the SEC division. The Good Sports Always Recycle program celebrated its 14th winning season last fall, recycling more than 18 tons of material during football season. Vol fans show Big Orange spirit by recycling cups and plastic bottles inside the stadium and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and newspapers in the tailgating areas.

UT’s recycling efforts have grown substantially over the past five years due to support by students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. When visiting campus don’t forget to Make Orange Green by recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper. There’s more information at http://environment.utk.edu.

Fast Facts

UT’s recycling rates have increased from 300 tons of material in 2003 to over 1,000 tons in 2007.

During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, UT’s paper recycling saved 9,350 trees, 3,825 tons of water, 254,650 barrels of oil, 332,850 pounds of air pollution, and 2,242,350 kilowatt hours of energy!
Did you know that recycling saves energy? It takes 95% less energy to make a recycled aluminum can than to make one from scratch!
Recycling saves energy, water, and money!
UT Recycles

Mixed paper
Aluminum cans
Plastic bottles
Scrap metal
Light bulbs
Electronics
Leaves
Ink cartridges
Batteries
Hardback books
Clothes, non-perishable food items, and household items in the spring as residents move out of campus housing
Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, newspaper, and cardboard from UT football and basketball games

Back to eTorch


	eTorch Archives May 2008
	UT Steps Up Recycling This is the first in a three-part series for young alumni to highlight recycling, the Make Orange Green campaign, and the future of recycling at UT. If you graduated more than five years ago, you may notice something different on campus. Sleek recycling bins are now located in almost all campus buildings. The UT Recycles program has existed since the early 1990s, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2003, when UTK hired its first full time recycling coordinator, that the program blossomed. Sarah Surak ’03, ’06, herself a UT young alum, began working with the recycling program as president of Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville (SPEAK). After she graduated, UT hired her to expand campus recycling efforts. UT now serves as a leader and a model in both the state and the Southeast in terms of recycling. Thanks to a pilot program run by the Baker Center Scholars three years ago, all residence hall rooms are equipped with recycling bins. Students grow so attached to the bins they often ask if they can take them home at the end of the semester! Each year, UT participates in RecycleMania, an annual competition among colleges and universities across the country. UT consistently ranks in the top of the SEC division. The Good Sports Always Recycle program celebrated its 14th winning season last fall, recycling more than 18 tons of material during football season. Vol fans show Big Orange spirit by recycling cups and plastic bottles inside the stadium and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and newspapers in the tailgating areas. UT’s recycling efforts have grown substantially over the past five years due to support by students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. When visiting campus don’t forget to Make Orange Green by recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper. There’s more information at http://environment.utk.edu. Fast Facts UT’s recycling rates have increased from 300 tons of material in 2003 to over 1,000 tons in 2007. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, UT’s paper recycling saved 9,350 trees, 3,825 tons of water, 254,650 barrels of oil, 332,850 pounds of air pollution, and 2,242,350 kilowatt hours of energy! Did you know that recycling saves energy? It takes 95% less energy to make a recycled aluminum can than to make one from scratch! Recycling saves energy, water, and money! UT Recycles Mixed paper Aluminum cans Plastic bottles Scrap metal Light bulbs Electronics Leaves Ink cartridges Batteries Hardback books Clothes, non-perishable food items, and household items in the spring as residents move out of campus housing Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, newspaper, and cardboard from UT football and basketball games Back to eTorch