Recycling

UNI, City of Cedar Falls teaming up for on-campus recycling project
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Recycling has become easier for the University of Northern Iowa and the City of Cedar Falls as the two joined forces to provide a city/university collection site on the UNI campus. Located west of Hudson Road, the site is north of the UNI Power Plant on the west side of Panther Parkway.

The city purchased nine roll-off containers, eight of which are currently used for recycling at the site. Set on concrete pads, they will accept household recyclables, including plastics coded 1 through 7, plastic grocery bags, clear glass, tin cans, office paper, cardboard, newsprint and magazines. The city assisted with site development and improvements. The university is providing site surveillance, grounds maintenance and trash removal.

"The additional center was developed to enhance recycling options for residents on the west and southwest sides of Cedar Falls, as well as for students and the university," said Bill McKinley, UNI assistant director of campus services, who worked with Brian Heath, manager of the operations/maintenance division of Cedar Falls' Public Works Department, on the project. "This also should ease the load on the transfer station at 15th and State Streets and, we hope, increase participation in recycling, given the additional convenience."

Also partnering with UNI and the City of Cedar Falls are City Carton Company and its manager, Chet Pabst, and a UNI student group, Green Project UNI. Student organizers are Brian Hayward, senior geography major from Maquoketa;Emilie Stigliani, senior Spanish major from Cedar Falls; and Mark Becker, junior English major from Spencer.

McKinley said the student group will assist with site maintenance and develop a monthly calendar of events that will encourage specific recyclables to be brought to a special location on campus. For example, one month might be office paper at the Maucker Union Plaza, while another could be plastics at the Schindler Education Center Plaza.

The recycling station, constructed during August and September by city and UNI staff, opened Sept. 20. For more information, contact McKinley at (319) 273-6109, or Heath at (319) 268-5575.

Recycling Substation FAQ's

Paper Recycling

The University of Northern Iowa has an active paper recycling program. Approximately 250,000-350,000 pounds are recycled annually from academic buildings. In most academic buildings there are generally two waste receptacles at work stations, one dedicated to paper and the second for all other refuse. The custodial staff maintains both receptacles, sometimes on an alternate night basis. Transportation Services moves the paper from the academic buildings to the compactor at the West 27th Street warehouse.

Virtually all paper items may be recycled in this manner including used/outdated phone books.

Department of Residence Recycling

The Department of Residence has a collection system in place at University residence halls for paper and other recyclables. Their staff transports recycled items to the warehouse.