Recycling History . . .

 

	In 1991, Winthrop University officials realized the enormous recycling potential that the Winthrop community could generate.  A committee from all constituencies of the University, including students, studied the problem, and came up with concrete suggestions on how to begin a waste management program.  After discussing transportation, storage, and disposal problems, the committee pushed primarily for the recycling of office paper and aluminum cans.  A pilot test was conducted in 4 buildings.
	In 1993, Winthrop University was awarded a South Carolina College and University Grant, which funded brochures, posters, and magnets.  These were created to encourage all the Winthrop community to recycle.  The brochure explains Winthrop University's recycling system and has the proper methods for separation and disposal.  Winthrop encouraged people not to equate reduction with just recycling.  Waste reduction was encouraged to become a state of mind.  Offices were encouraged to make note pads of waste paper, print on both sides of the paper, route magazines and newspapers, recycle laser printer cartridges, and use E-mail more frequently.  Students were asked to participate and volunteer, while encouraging others to recycle as well.
	After analyzing the success of the program, Winthrop University expanded its recycling program to include the entire campus.  Currently there are over 156 recycling bins in over 30 buildings.  At that time, the program was expanded to include magazines, cardboard, and newspaper.
	Winthrop received the second place South Carolina Clean and Beautiful State Award in 1996.  This award was given by Keep America beautiful of South Carolina.
	In 1997, Winthrop University was awarded a $3,500 grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.  This grant was used to obtain 120 28-gallon sturdy containers.  These were used to upgrade the recycling containers in the centers.
	In 1998, Winthrop University was awarded a $15,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.  This grant was used to aid in the purchasing of a truck used for the recycling program and 600 14-quart recycling bins.  The new truck allowed for more frequent emptying of recyclables.  In addition, the small bins were distributed to faculty and staff so that recyclables would be easier to collect and empty in the recycling centers.
	In 1999, Winthrop University garnered the Best Collegiate Recycling Program in the state.  The award was sponsored by the Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling at South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and Keep America Beautiful of South Carolina.
	The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control awarded Winthrop in 1999 with a $10,000 recycling grant.  This grant was used to purchase a chipper/shredder.  This piece of equipment is essential in closing the gap and returning nature's waste to the ground as mulch-type material.
	In 2000, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control awarded a recycling grant of $9,723 to Winthrop University. These funds were used to purchase containers used in the collection and disposal of recyclables, an eight yard dumpster for shredded paper, a concrete slab for the container and recycling fees for 160 old computer monitors. Funds were also used to upgrade posters and brochures.
	In 2001 the University was awarded still another recycling grant of $9,406. We are using these funds mainly to purchase an "Earth Tub". This piece of equipment will allow Winthrop University to start a composting operation at the Winthrop Farm area. We are presently making arrangements with Winthrop Faculty to include students in this operation as a learning tool for the Biology Department.
	The result of Winthrop University's W·E·C·A·R·E Recycling Program has been outstanding.   Winthrop University, a community with over 5,000 students and 1,000 employees, was the perfect place to begin a recycling program.  Considering the amount of waste Winthrop produced in 1991 the need and responsibility was certainly there to begin and maintain a recycling program.  Winthrop University has accepted that challenge and in return challenges any other school, company, or individual to begin saving the world.
	AMOUNT RECYCLED at WINTHROP year lbs. tons 1991-92 53,180 26.590 1992-93 67,301 33.651 1993-94 95,173 47.587 1994-95 91,878 45.939 1995-96 127,646 63.823 1996-97 154,140 77.070 1997-98 144,444 72.222 1998-99 180,721 90.361 1999-2000 242,600 121.300 2000-2001 261,850 130.930 2001-2002 305,640 152.820 2002-2003 319,140 159.570 2003-2004 Data Not Available 2004-2005 Data Not Available 2005-2006 273,855 136.927 2006-2007 28,074 14.037 2007-2008 157,460 78.730 2008-2009 191,352 95.676 2009-2010 187,497 93.749 2010-2011 336,348 168.174 2011-2012 380,959 190.480       TOTAL: 3,599,258  1800 tons