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Recycling Education and Outreach for the Generations Virginia Recycling Association Conference

Recycling Education and Outreach for the Generations Virginia Recycling Association Conference May 5, 2015, Virginia Beach, VA Presented by: Steven Heinitz VCU -Sustainability Program Coordinator. We are VCU -RAMS. Faculty-full-time 2,229, part-time(adjunct) 1,082 Staff- 6,392

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Recycling Education and Outreach for the Generations Virginia Recycling Association Conference

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  1. Recycling Education and Outreach for the Generations Virginia Recycling Association Conference May 5, 2015, Virginia Beach, VA Presented by: Steven Heinitz VCU-Sustainability Program Coordinator

  2. We are VCU-RAMS • Faculty-full-time 2,229, part-time(adjunct) 1,082 • Staff- 6,392 • Students-All Programs-31,163, Gender: male 42%, female 57%, representing 100+ countries • Students-On Campus Housing, 5,857 capacity, Off Campus/Commuter Students, 25,306 VCU Facilities: 110+ buildings with (2) Urban Campuses situated on 114 acres in the City of Richmond, Virginia. In 2015 adding (2) Residence Halls and a Basketball Training Facility. • Academic and Administrative: 72+, Snead Hall, Sanger Hall, etc. (Many historic buildings) • Athletic facilities: 7, Cary St. Gym, Larrick Student Ctr. Siegel Ctr. etc. • Food Services: 24, Shafer Court Dining Hall, (Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s. IHOP, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Taco Bell etc.) Managed by ARAMARK. • Multipurpose/Parking Decks: 11, Laurel St(+Dining), West Broad St.(Bookstore), etc. • Residence Halls: 15, Freshman Dorms and Apartments. • Student Support: 5, University Student Commons, Hunton Student Center, etc.

  3. VCU Recycling Our Past, Present and Future. • 1995 VCU focuses on revitalizing Recycling Program that struggled to collect materials with mostly student paid staff. Rate 4.41%, Goal divert 15%-25% of waste to recycling. • 1996-2000, Recycling Program expands to Academic Buildings on the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses to include collection in Hospital Buildings. VCU Recycling Rate reaches 14.61%. • 2002-2004, Universal Waste Recycling Program established to recycle electric ballasts, batteries and fluorescent lightbulbs. 38,000 lbs. of E-Waste. • 2005, VCU Recycling Rate 19.42 %, 48,000 lbs. of E-Waste. • 2008, VCU Recycling Rate 25.59%, with *C&D 33.62%, 68,000 lbs. of E-Waste. • 2010, VCU Recycling Rate 33.32%, with *C&D 40.87%, 94,560 lbs. of E-Waste. • 2011-2012, Pilot composting program diverts 54,100 lbs. in 12 months. First full year of Single Stream Recycling collection and Gov-Deals program to sell Surplus Property, 222,900 lbs. est. of electronics, furniture and equipment diverted from waste stream. Recycling Rate 31.65%-37.15% • 2013, VCU-Recycling Operations reorganized to vendors for collection and processing. Recycling Program education and outreach moved to Office of Sustainability. Recycling Rate 33.38% • 2014, VCU Recycling Rate 33.95%, (53.49% with *C&D) Gov-Deals 295,680 lbs. est. diverted. • 2015, VCU Diversion/Recycling Rate Goal 40%+ by 2018. Education and Outreach to reinforce the 4R’s. Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! *C&D=Construction and Demolition • 2016, Recycling Goals incorporated in new Sustainability Plan for University

  4. The Recycling Mix is Changing Less Metals, Paper More Plastics 1-7, Plastic Bags/Packaging, Styrofoam#6? Miscellaneous items to: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Rethink the process? Construction/Renovation Materials E-Scrap & Universal Waste Food Waste (Biodiesel & Composting) Surplus Property (Gov-Deals sales & Reuse)

  5. VCU-Recycling % E-Scrap in Tons, Misc. Items in Tons, Commingle in Tons

  6. VCU transition to Single Stream Recycling collection for all Facilities starting in 2013The Stakeholders:Building Occupants-Faculty, Staff, StudentsContractors: Housekeeping, Recycling/Waste Haulers/Processors Other Contractors: Business Services, Dining ServicesProcurement: Proper contracts to meet our goals.??? Should we pursue ZERO Waste, definition, timeline. Items to include or exclude? Ex. Paper Towels, Food Waste.

  7. Timeline for the Transition • Starting with a multi-stream environment, VCU began transitioning to a single-stream recycling methodology in 2012. • Began transition with operational and academic buildings, initially, as a pilot program. Transition included educational outreach, new signage and consistent monitoring with custodial staff. • Rolled out single stream to all residence halls by the end of 2014 academic year. Continually received feedback from users throughout process. • As of now, the VCU Office of Sustainability is working in revamping signage and continually educating users.

  8. The Planning process and challenges • Receive support from Upper Management-Letter/Memo • Facilities Management-take lead on process • Clear communication on expectations • Update all communications, decals, posters, etc. and containers to (2) bin system. • Educate all the stakeholders and verify they understand the Single Stream Recycling process. • Provide consistent service and utilize stakeholder feedback to make adjustments as needed. • Monitor progress, accurate data for reporting.

  9. VCU Goes Green with “ALL IN ONE”Single Stream Recycling Program

  10. VCU Diversion Rate by the #’s with the new ALLINONESingle Stream Program

  11. Lessons Learned • Establish a goal that is attainable. 40% vs. 75% diversion?, ZERO Waste? • Survey your customers prior to fully implementing change. Complete a Pilot. • Cleary communicate your message, do not use confusing language. Does ALL INONE mean everything? What % of contamination is acceptable? • Make sure you customer understands the reasons for the change. Divert more waste to recycling. More focus on reducing and reusing before recycling. • Use graphics and images that are easy to understand. Does FOOD & ORGANIC COLLECTION mean Composting or Landfill? • Location, Location! Proper placement of recycling and waste bins is critical to capturing the proper waste stream to minimize cross contamination.

  12. Next steps? • Utilizing feedback from our customers and contractors to make adjustments. Ex. Events, Meetings, Surveys and information Tabling. • Create marketing materials that provide clear and detailed information. On-line web-site:www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.eduand internal Telegram. QR-codes: Utilize social media: Provide print materials in central and high traffic areas. • Fully utilize our internal educational resources. Interns, Staff and Faculty, etc.

  13. Examples of new Outreach Materials*Green Guide-A Students Guide to Sustainable Living Streamlined signage and posters for placement in Residence Hall Collections areas.

  14. Outreachin Residence Halls

  15. Programs and Plans to enhance Recycling Education and Outreach • Green Office Program to provide resources and recognition to Departments Ex. Waste Diversion, Purchasing, Energy, Human Healthand Transportation • Increased training and resources for contract housekeeping staff. • Development of Sustainability Plan for University to provide clear direction. • Creation of new a web-site that is more user friendly and provides timely data • Making the Office of Sustainability more visible and accessible to Faculty, Staff and Students. Recent reorganization and relocation of office to central area on campus. • Regular Single Stream Meetings with contractors to assess progress. • Installation of new exterior max-R Recycling and Waste Collection stations.

  16. Embracing our Diversity

  17. Thank you, Virginia Recycling Association Contact Information: Steven Heinitz, Sustainability Program Coordinator Email: srheinit@vcu.edu RAMS Recycle!

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