Monmouth University was one of nine organizations recognized at the 39th Annual Association of New Jersey Recyclers symposium held Oct. 10 at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune.
The program aims to recycle glass, plastic, metal, aluminum, used light bulbs, batteries, toner cartridges, and more.
According to the October 2019 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection press release, the institution was a principal for its comprehensive program which recycled 46 percent of garbage produced on campus in 2018. The University recycled an accumulation of 1.13 tons of light bulbs, 268.51 tons of construction and demolition debris, and 5.41 tons of computer equipment. One hundred percent of landscaping waste was consistently reused as mulch or soil amendments on campus grounds or were sent to an area composting facility.
“I commend these award winners for their work to promote recycling and educate their communities about the importance of diverting waste to better protect our natural resources,” Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said. “New Jersey is consistently a national leader in recycling, and we applaud the winners for going above and beyond to help safeguard the environment.”
Monmouth has been a member of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s WasteWise Business Network since March 2009 and was also recently recognized as a New Jersey Sustainable Business. The New Jersey WasteWise Business Network is a free program innovated to help businesses and other organizations become educated on reduction, recycling, and recycled product procurement not only to help the environment, but also their bottom line.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers co-sponsor this event, where recycling awards are presented annually to those who have made significant contributions to recycling in New Jersey.
Senior business student Kyle Mullen believes that it is important to recycle and reduce waste, which can be detrimental to our environment. “Recycling can greatly reduce pollution and our carbon footprint. If everyone does their part in recycling, it can decrease harmful greenhouse gases,” he said.
Patricia Swannack, Vice President of Administrative Services, said “Institutions such as Monmouth University play an important role by inspiring students to develop behavior that helps us care for our planet and educating future leaders who one day may make the policies that govern how we care for the planet. In addition, an institution with thousands of members and tens of thousands of annual visitors, such as Monmouth University, is a good place to demonstrate good sustainability practice.”
More information about Monmouth University’s efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling is available online.
