About Us
Emory Recycles began in 1990 with a group of librarians who began to collect and recycle white paper. With increased enthusiasm and support from students, the recycling program was expanded to the residence halls. Today, Emory Recycles provides a source separated recycling program for all Emory University academic buildings, residence halls, labs, clinics and offices. The programs primary goal is to divert University waste through waste reduction education and a source separated commodity collection. Last year alone, the program was able to divert 55 percent of the University’s waste from the landfill.
As a steward of recycling, Emory Recycles also has a large outreach program, handling recycling for the federal Centers for Disease Control, local schools, retirement communities and community drop-offs. Emory Recycles has volunteered its knowledge and resources to help others begin recycling programs, playing a key role in Delta Airlines recycling pilot program and recycling programs in numerous local schools such as Padeia and Cliff Valley Elementary.
Our Mission
Emory has identified sustainability as a top priority of the University and is committed to an overall goal of diverting 65 percent of its waste from the landfills by 2015. All members of our community are called upon to help reduce the amount of waste through Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. Emory Recycles program is responsible for collecting and diverting recyclable waste from the University.
Recovery rates have been steadily increasing since the program’s inception. In fiscal year 1998-1999, the program recovered 459.09 tons of material for recycling and diverted 9.21 percent of University waste. In fiscal year 2004-2005, the program recovered 926.15 tons of material and diverted 24 percent of University waste. In fiscal year 2007-2008, the program recovered 7464.21 tons of material for recycling, diverting 55 percent of University waste.