CU Update:
Jack DeBell Serves CU Recycling for 25 Years,
Provides National Model for Campus Recycling
Staff Report
The University of Colorado at Boulder is a vital part of our community, andtheyhave succeeded in creating theirown model recycling programs for other campuses across the country to emulate. They have achieved national recognition by creating the first Zero Waste sports stadium and have received awards for being the top “green” university in the country, as well as the national university recycler of the year—and for 25 years, Jack DeBell has been a leader in CU’s exemplaryenvironmental programs.
 Since 1985, Jack has directed CU’s recycling program and has expanded it to includemuch more than the collection and processing of campusrecyclables. He also instituted and is expanding a certification and internship program for students interested in recycling-related careers.
“It’s an honor to contribute to CU’s ‘green’ legacy,” Jack said. “Enabling students to make a difference with their degrees has always been the most satisfying and encouraging part of my job. When I see the commitment and feel the energy possessed by a growing number of students, I have hope for the future.”
Jack has also steered the campus on the path toward Zero Waste. The conversion of Folsom Field to a Zero Waste stadium in fall 2008 is a direct result of his vision, and he continues to be involved at every game, making sure recyclables and compostables are sorted properly.
Eco-Cycle® Executive Director Eric Lombardi has worked at Jack’s side for more than 20 years and has watched Jack father the university recycling movement at the national level, which continues to grow every year. “If there’s ever a Recycling Hall of Fame, Jack has earned his way in,” Eric said. “He has made CU an example of sustainability, which the students experience while living in Boulder and then spread the message out across the nation and world. Jack has indirectly reached the world in a way few people ever have.”
Eco-Cycle says, “Thanks, Jack!” And we urge him to keep spreading his knowledge and passion to other college campuses nationwide, impacting hundreds of thousands of students and making Zero Waste a way of life—and a way of doing business—for the decision-makers and community leaders of tomorrow.
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Eric Lombardi (left), with Paul Sullivan (center) and Jack DeBell (right) at the CU Recycling Center in 1989.
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