Michigan Technological University
IN-26: Innovation C

There are many items that our Waste Management company (ironically named Waste Management in Houghton) will not accept in recycling bins. These include plastic bottle tops, plastic bags from Walmart and other stores, foil wrappers from say granola bars, and small batteries, and egg cartons. Further, there are no available services suppliers locally that will collect these items in an organized manner. Students of our Sustainability Demonstration House organized a Recycling Initiative where local community members could drop of these items in a one day event. The University at first delayed the event due to the Covid-19 Situation. As conditions improved in Upper Michigan, the University decided that under the proper protocols, the Waste Reduction Drive could proceed. The event was held outside in a large parking lot. Locals could drive up the to curb and drop off their items with little to know interaction and adequate social distancing. Face masks, gloves, and frequent disinfecting were part of the protocols. Collected items were kept in a secure are for two weeks before further handling. The items will eventually be delivered to recycle facilities and the egg cartons local farms for reuse. Locals hope that this will become an annual or perhaps a semi-annual event.