University of Wisconsin-River Falls
OP-23: Waste Diversion

UWRF utilizes a single-stream recycling process to make recycling easier. Additionally, UWRF has a surplus property program that is continually growing. UWRF repurposes equipment and items back out to members of campus as often as possible. The items that are not able to be used on campus are then sold through surplus sales. Within the past year, UWRF has also started to use online auctions to sell specialty equipment and higher value items to divert these items from landfills. Any items that are not sold are then donated to area non-profit organizations. The goal of the surplus program is to reuse and sell as many items as possible to increase the diversion rate. The University Center and Residential Halls are participating collection sites for Call2Recycle. Call2Recycle collects rechargeable batteries and cellphones in a no-cost recycling program in the United States. They convert the waste into a variety of re-usable products and materials. The program meets or exceeds the most rigorous recycling standards in the world. http://www.call2recycle.org/how-program-works/#sthash.IF54YceU.dpuf The Division of Technology Services is committed to the sustainable reuse of our older campus-owned equipment. We have several programs in place to deal with older equipment which is considered no longer usable as primary computing devices or peripherals. As equipment ages and is pulled out of our rotation our first step is to evaluate the possibility of refurbishing and reusing as secondary computing equipment. Many times for student workers or as requested by departments for secondary use. If the equipment is no longer able to be reused on campus we then proceed to evaluate for possible resale. Facilities Management holds a monthly surplus sale and we work closely to provide older computers at fair market value. This equipment is typically older than 5 years and has outlived its usefulness on campus. To see the Facilities Surplus webpage and subscribe to their email list, or visit the web page. Lastly we recycle any equipment deemed "not-saleable" with Universal Recycling Technologies. We receive a certificate of recycling stating the number of lbs. of equipment we send which goes to reduce our campus’ carbon footprint. URT also checks to make sure all traces of data are wiped (we do as well before sending to them). https://www.uwrf.edu/DOTS/ComputerRecycling.cfm For 2013, Bill Connolly, UWRF Farm Director, reports 150 tons of compost were sold, while an additional 325 tons of compost were put back onto the farm fields (475 tons total). The compost consists mainly of wood shavings and cornstalk animal bedding as well as solid manure. The Farm employs windrow/aerobic composting. It was sold to the public at $32/yard (2013 price).

There are many notable efforts held throughout the campus in any given year that collect food for the local Food Shelf. Door to door gathering, collection sites, and donation required events are held throughout the year. One of the more notable collection efforts occurs in the Residence Halls at the time of move out each Spring. During student move-out, "Don't Throw It, Donate It" residence hall collection program encourages students to donate clothing, miscellaneous items and nonperishable food as they move out of the halls for the year. Donations are then given to Treasures of the Heart, Second Chances and the River Falls Food Pantry. Sponsored by the Leadership Development and Service Committee, Residence Life and the Friends of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Student Organization, the program is designed to give students the opportunity to give back to the community and be sustainable in lieu of throwing items into the dumpster. This event has been occurring annually since 2004.

None currently.

None currently.

UW-River Falls Recycling Report Comparison 2013 RECYCLED MATERIAL 2013 Single Stream (Comingled) Recyclables Includes aluminum, steel, glass, and plastic containers as well as office paper, magazines, newsprint, and cardboard …………………………...255.21 Tons Large Lead Acid Batteries ………………………………………19 Units Small Lead Acid Batteries …………………………………........150 Pounds Rechargeable Batteries (Cell Phone & Small Tool) …………….80 Pounds Waste Tires ……………………………………………………...59 Units Waste Oil ………………………………………………………..230 Gallons Oil Filters ………………………………………………………..300 Units & ¾ Drum of Used Oil Absorbents Scrap Metal ………………………………………………….......9.04 Tons Computer Components (CPUs & Laptops) ………………..........4,030 Pounds Other E-Waste …………………………………………………..12,538 Pounds Major Appliances ……………………………………………….45 Units Fluorescent Light Bulbs …………………………………….......5,365 Units Incandescent and HID Light Bulbs ……………………………..455 Units Photographic Fixer ………………………………………….......25 Gallons Pallets ……………………………………………………….......116 Units Beneficial Reuse of Power Plant Fly and Bottom Ash ………….30 Tons Composted Yard Materials (estimated) ……………………........100 Cubic Yards Chipped Yard Materials (estimated) ……………………………80 Cubic Yards Food Grease ……………………………………………………..37,035 Gallons Antifreeze ……………………………………………………….55 Gallons The above numbers are reported from the best information available at the end of each calendar year and are often lower than actual recycling rates due to challenges with tracking certain information. If you have any questions or concerns with this report, or you are aware of something else that should be reported, please contact mark.klapatch@uwrf.edu.

Re: Batteries -The University only includes recyclable batteries in its waste diversion efforts. Standard-sized pallets (40"x48") are reused for the University's own use or are given to vendor truck drivers for reuse. Non-standard sized pallets are not reused.