Results of Business Review Available

Recycling is less expensive than landfill disposal at CU-Boulder. An internal review recently confirmed that CU Recycling provides cost-containment, net revenue-generation, and other financial benefits.

Last year, recycling provided a net savings of $175,000 to the University. Every ton recycled at CU saves the University over $300. Every dollar spent on recycling is comparable to spending $2.12 for landfill disposal. Recycling has also insulated against garbage rate increases (64% since 1996) and has avoided the purchase of expensive trash hauling equipment.

A summary of recent findings and recommendations as well as the 82-page Business Review is available at www.colorado.edu/recycle/news_updates

The Colorado Materials Exchange

The University of Colorado Recycling Services sponsors Colorado Materials Exchange (COMEx) as a statewide clearinghouse of non-hazardous surplus and durable goods. COMEx functions to provide alternatives to landfill disposal, create partnerships among businesses and community groups, improve access to pollution prevention information and services, and increase profitability of participating businesses.

Key features of COMEx include an e-mail listserver and web site for listing materials wanted or available. For more information, visit the site at http://www.cu.edu/comex.

COMEx recently conducted a Computer Reuse Project funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Computer Reuse Project has helped Colorado businesses and organizations prevent electronic waste by providing information and opportunities for electronic reuse across the state.

Institutional Food Waste Composting

CU-Boulder received funding from the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation to create the “Colorado Food Waste Composting Guide.” The planning guide is designed specifically for Colorado institutions, enabling them to choose the best method of composting. Information about the State’s regulatory framework, equipment vendors and existing composting operations is also included in the Guide.

The Guide can be downloaded from CU’s Recycling Web site: www.colorado.edu/recycle. Printed copies are also available by contacting CU Recycling at 303.492.8307.

About University of Colorado at Boulder Recycling

The University of Colorado’s recycling program is a non-profit, campus-based organization whose mission is to instill awareness of the benefits of waste reduction and recycling. CU Recycling is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading campus programs. Awards have been given by such groups as the EPA, National Recycling Coalition, and the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, who in 2000 proclaimed CU Recycling as the model campus program in the United States.