Feasibility Study of Recycling on the Campus of
Lake Superior State University

Jenny A. Pike

School ofScience and Natural Resources
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783 USA

December 3, 1996

Abstract. Recycling, reclaiming materials from waste, has become an important
environmental issue due to increased waste disposal costs, declining landfill space
and reduction of available raw materials. Because of these concerns Lake Superior
State University implemented a campus wide recycling program in the Fall of
1996. The objectives of this study were to determine student attitudes towards
recycling on campus, to assess the efficiency of the waste removal system and to
assess the cost feasibility of the recycling plan on campus. In the Spring of 1996
the student body received a recycling questionnaire in order to predict use of the
recycling program. 89% ofthe responding students stated they would recycle if
bins were made available to them. To deterrnine efficiency of waste disposal,
dumpsters at selected sites were monitored for two weeks and the percent of
available volume utilized was calculated. Changes in the existing waste disposal
plan could save an average of $300.00 a week. The cost feasibihty of the campus
recycling program was assessed by comparison ofthe cost of recycling bins and
labor to potential savings in disposal costs resulting from a reduction in total
volume of waste. As determined through garbage and recycling audits. Based on
this study the current monetary expenditures for the recycling plan are greater than
the related disposal cost savings. Even though recycling is not cost feasible based
exclusively on reduced disposal costs, environmentally it is an important practice
which should be supported by the University.

Selected References

Smith, April A. I 993 . Campus Ecology. A Guide to Assessing Environmental
Quality & Creating Strategies for Change. Living Planet Press. Venice, CA.

Thompson, Claudia. 1992. Recycled Papers The Essenitial Guide. The MIT
Press. Cambridge, MA.

Woods, Steven. 1996. Plan for Phase One of the New Recycling Program at
L.S.S.U.. Draft#1. PhaseOne.