THE HISTORY OF EMORY RECYCLES
Emory University takes great pride in its recycling program. Its evolution began with a group of environmentally conscientious librarians, known around campus as LEAF (Library Environmental Action Force), began to collect and recycle white paper. Recognizing the benefits of student involvement, LEAF began a tradition of incorporating Emory students into its efforts by recruiting volunteers from SIRE (Students Involved in Resources and the Environment).
In September of 1990, Emory launched its official recycling program, collecting white paper and aluminum cans. With increased enthusiasm and support from students, Emory further expanded its program. In the spring of 1996, Emory Recycles conducted a pilot in-room recycling program in Smith, Thomas, Hopkins and Harris Halls. Students separated aluminum cans, glass bottles, newspaper, and white paper from their trash into small baskets provided in their rooms. Over four tons of commodities were collected during the ten-week pilot. This demonstrated the effectiveness of in-dorm recycling, which led to the expansion of recycling services into all residence halls.
Today, virtually all staff and administrative buildings at Emory and Oxford College are outfitted with indoor recycling bins. In addition, we service one community drop-off site which islocated at the CVS in the Emory Village on N. Decatur Road. We currently have four full time employees plus at least two or three student workers during the school year. Still, we recognize that there are opportunities to better serve the Emory community. If you are aware of a deficiency in our program or can suggest a way we can become more successful, please contact us via email at claire.wall@emory.edu or at 404-712-8921.
In April of 1998, Emory proudly celebrated the opening of its Recycling Center. This facility gives Emory Recycles increased processing capabilities and the capacity to futher expand its services on campus and in the surrounding community. Since opening in April 1998, the facility has become essential for expansion of Emory Recycles services.
The building is equipped with exterior loading chutes to store white paper, colored paper, aluminum cans, and cardboard. These chutes empty onto a conveyer belt where full-time staff conduct a negative sort to remove contaminates before the commodities are delivered to a horizontal baler. This machine compresses loose recyclables into compact bales which are then sold on the commodities market.
The recycling yard is also home to 6 40-yard long containers used to store clear, green, and brown glass, scrap metal, mixed paper (including newspaper, magazines, phone books, and colored paper) and plastics #1 & #2.
If you are interested in taking a tour of our facility or have questions about how we process materials, please contact John Scheve, Recycling Supervisor, at 404-727-2052 or Claire Wall, Recycling Administrative Coordinator, at 404-712-8921 or send us an email at claire.wall@emory.edu