Recycling Successes!

Outstanding Reduction and Reuse Program The University of Michigan was recognized as the 2007 Recycler of the Year for Outstanding Waste Reduction and Reuse by the Michigan Recycling Coalition during the 25th Annual Conference and Recycling Business Expo in Novi, MI. This award recognizes our Student Move Out Donation and Office Supply Reuse Programs. Since it began in 1993, the Student Move Out Donation Program has collected over 136 tons of clothes, shoes, bedding, household items, food, and toiletries from students moving out of the residence halls and donated them to area non-profit organizations. For the Office Supply Reuse Program, Waste Management Services collects unwanted, but still usable, office supplies from units around campus. These items are kept at the WMS office and made available to all University faculty and staff at no charge. Since 2000, we have collected almost 21 tons of gently-used items.

Waste Knot Partners The University of Michigan was awarded partnership in Washtenaw County's Waste Knot Program. The Waste Knot Program recognizes Washtenaw County schools, businesses, government and non-profit agencies showing leadership in waste reduction and energy conservation. Created in 1999 as part of the county's waste management strategy, Waste Knot is a free and non-regulatory program. The program recognizes businesses and agencies with good recycling and waste reduction practices and policies. It also provides technical assistance for those organizations who wish to design, implement and improve their current recycling and waste reduction programs. An special awards ceremony was held April 22, 2004, Earth Day, at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. CTN Channel 19 currently airs the awards program from time to time. Check their website for times.

Want to know which other businesses in Washtenaw County are Waste Knot partners and learn a little more about the program? Here's more information.

Outstanding School Program

The University of Michigan was recognized for Outstanding School Program for 2001 by the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) on Monday, January 14, 2002 during the 20th Annual Congress & Exposition in Seattle, Washington. Read about it in the Plant Exchange.