BCC Recycles!
BCC has enhanced its ongoing commitment to minimizing waste and promoting long term sustainability by expanding its recycling program.
The College has purchased more than 100 new receptacles that will account for approximately 26 “recycling stations” around campus to collect plastic, glass, paper and cans.
“Recycling is an issue important to the college and it was an exciting development that our Student Assembly chose to take the lead on developing our initiative. They created a recycling committee and submitted recommendations to the Administration. This was student leadership at its best,” said Dr. Drumm. “A great learning experience for our students, which led to an important new outcome for BCC and community. In partnership with the Ecology Club, our students were able to bring up an issue that was important to all of us and have the issue addressed with a constructive outcome. It sends a great message that students at Broome can be concerned about an issue, get involved and help promote positive change for everyone.”
Broome’s commitment to recycling and sustainability has been steadily increasing in recent years. A Climate Action Plan for BCC was put in place in 2007. Also in 2007 the Ecology Club members performed a garbage audit to identify and quantify waste across campus. Of the 470 pounds of waste collected from dumpsters and sorted by hand, 63% was recyclable, 28% compostable and 9% was garbage. In addition Broome has surveyed students who have responded they feel recycling is important.
“The establishment of a comprehensive recycling program reflects the overwhelming dedication of the campus community to making BCC a more sustainable institution,” said Dr. Tracy Curtis of the BCC Biology Department and Ecology Club Advisor. “Even more important than the responsible management of campus waste outflow is the collaborative effort of students, faculty, maintenance staff and administration in achieving a common goal.”
In 2009 the Ecology Club conducted a 2-month recycling pilot in the Applied Technology Building on campus and reduced the average daily trash collection from 52.52 pounds to 17.04 pounds by adding recycling bins. The recycling bins cost approximately $20,000.
