Holy Cross Switches to Single-Stream Recycling System

Who said it's not easy being green?

Starting Nov. 1, Holy Cross adopted a new single-stream recycling system which promises to significantly improve campus participation and decrease waste going to landfills.

Single-stream recycling is a system in which all recyclable materials — fiber (newspaper, cardboard, mixed paper, catalogs, magazines and junk mail) and containers (glass, steel, aluminum and plastic) — are placed, unsorted, in one recycling bin. The material is being transported to a Waste Management facility in Avon, Mass., where it is sorted by state-of-the-art processing equipment.

Single containers for all recyclable material are being used, and students, faculty and staff no longer have to sort items into different containers.

The College switched to single-stream recycling for a number of reasons, says Brian Griffin, assistant director for environmental services and sustainability in Physical Plant. Single-stream makes it easier to recycle, cuts down on contamination in receptacles and increases the amount of material recycled.

Signage will be placed around campus explaining the single-stream recycling programs, according to Griffin. In keeping with the sustainability theme, existing bins and containers are being repurposed with permanent markings for the program. New containers will be purchased as needed.

This is the second time this year recycling efforts have been augmented on campus. Physical Plant placed containers to collect ink cartridges and batteries at three locations across campus: first floor of the Hogan Campus Center (next to the post office), Dinand Library alcove and Kimball Dining Hall corral.

For more information on the new recycling system, and a complete list of acceptable recyclables, visit the sustainability website.