The Griffon News

Over ten years ago, a recycling program was brought to Missouri Western accompanied by two recycling companies, but the program was unsuccessful and did not last a year.

“This will be the third or fourth major attempt at paper recycling on campus,” said Craig Darrough, risk management at the West Campus.

“The programs failed in the past for many reasons, but some of the major problems developed from vendor participation due to a drop in the price paid for recycled paper, general loss of interest in the program and inadequate locations for the pick up of the paper to be recycled.”

The recycling program started in November 2001, when Annette Wright and her husband picked up recycling every two weeks in his one-ton Chevy pick-up truck.

“This volunteer project was started by Annette Wright, a librarian who felt strongly about establishing a paper recycling effort on campus,” Darrough said. “She has spearheaded this current effort with the help of a few faculty and staff members for over five years.”

In the summer of 2002 a recycling committee was brought together to look into getting a recycling program started here on campus. Two Kansas City recycling companies were asked to come and meet with committee members to discuss implementing the program. After both companies toured the campus, they both decided it was not economically feasible for them to come to the campus.

Librarian Annette Wright said that this time is different.

“This time around we are looking to use a St. Joseph recycling company call RSP,” Wright said. “There have been times the pickup dates have been divided into two days, Wednesday and Thursday, every other week because there has been so much recycling.”

Hopefully, the program will be in effect by fall of 2007. The program will be voluntary and campus wide with student organizations and academic departments who would like to  participate in paper recycling.

Uncertain about the total cost and funding at this time, a committee is reviewing the preliminary costs and the departments who may participate in the project.

“The committee is composed of interested individuals who have direct interest and experience from the campus community,” Darrough said. “The committee is composed of members from upper administration, building facilities, environmental safety, faculty, staff and students.”

The completed plan and procedures for this project are still being finalized as to where the recycling bins will go along with specific dates.

“It should be understood that a program such as this requires some funding, cooperation from the University, in –depth planning and a serious commitment from the students, staff and faculty.” Darrough said. “All factors must come together before this project will be finalized.”