Recycling Education and Outreach for the Generations Virginia Recycling Association Conference May 5, 2015, Virginia Beach, VA Presented by: Steven Heinitz VCU-Sustainability Program Coordinator

We are VCU-RAMS Faculty-full-time 2,229, part-time(adjunct) 1,082 Staff- 6,392 Students-All Programs-31,163, Gender: male 42%, female 57%, representing 100+ countries Students-On Campus Housing, 5,857 capacity, Off Campus/Commuter Students, 25,306 VCU Facilities: 110+ buildings with (2) Urban Campuses situated on 114 acres in the City of Richmond, Virginia. In 2015 adding (2) Residence Halls and a Basketball Training Facility. Academic and Administrative: 72+, Snead Hall, Sanger Hall, etc. (Many historic buildings) Athletic facilities: 7, Cary St. Gym, Larrick Student Ctr. Siegel Ctr. etc. Food Services: 24, Shafer Court Dining Hall, (Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s. IHOP, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Taco Bell etc.) Managed by ARAMARK. Multipurpose/Parking Decks: 11, Laurel St(+Dining), West Broad St.(Bookstore), etc. Residence Halls: 15, Freshman Dorms and Apartments. Student Support: 5, University Student Commons, Hunton Student Center, etc.

VCU Recycling Our Past, Present and Future. 1995 VCU focuses on revitalizing Recycling Program that struggled to collect materials with mostly student paid staff. Rate 4.41%, Goal divert 15%-25% of waste to recycling. 1996-2000, Recycling Program expands to Academic Buildings on the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses to include collection in Hospital Buildings. VCU Recycling Rate reaches 14.61%. 2002-2004, Universal Waste Recycling Program established to recycle electric ballasts, batteries and fluorescent lightbulbs. 38,000 lbs. of E-Waste. 2005, VCU Recycling Rate 19.42 %, 48,000 lbs. of E-Waste. 2008, VCU Recycling Rate 25.59%, with *C&D 33.62%, 68,000 lbs. of E-Waste. 2010, VCU Recycling Rate 33.32%, with *C&D 40.87%, 94,560 lbs. of E-Waste. 2011-2012, Pilot composting program diverts 54,100 lbs. in 12 months. First full year of Single Stream Recycling collection and Gov-Deals program to sell Surplus Property, 222,900 lbs. est. of electronics, furniture and equipment diverted from waste stream. Recycling Rate 31.65%-37.15% 2013, VCU-Recycling Operations reorganized to vendors for collection and processing. Recycling Program education and outreach moved to Office of Sustainability. Recycling Rate 33.38% 2014, VCU Recycling Rate 33.95%, (53.49% with *C&D) Gov-Deals 295,680 lbs. est. diverted. 2015, VCU Diversion/Recycling Rate Goal 40%+ by 2018. Education and Outreach to reinforce the 4R’s. Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! *C&D=Construction and Demolition 2016, Recycling Goals incorporated in new Sustainability Plan for University

The Recycling Mix is Changing Less Metals, Paper More Plastics 1-7, Plastic Bags/Packaging, Styrofoam#6? Miscellaneous items to: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Rethink the process? Construction/Renovation Materials E-Scrap & Universal Waste Food Waste (Biodiesel & Composting) Surplus Property (Gov-Deals sales & Reuse)

VCU-Recycling % E-Scrap in Tons, Misc. Items in Tons, Commingle in Tons

VCU transition to Single Stream Recycling collection for all Facilities starting in 2013 The Stakeholders: Building Occupants-Faculty, Staff, Students Contractors: Housekeeping, Recycling/Waste Haulers/Processors Other Contractors: Business Services, Dining Services Procurement: Proper contracts to meet our goals. ??? Should we pursue ZERO Waste, definition, timeline. Items to include or exclude? Ex. Paper Towels, Food Waste.

Timeline for the Transition Starting with a multi-stream environment, VCU began transitioning to a single-stream recycling methodology in 2012. Began transition with operational and academic buildings, initially, as a pilot program. Transition included educational outreach, new signage and consistent monitoring with custodial staff. Rolled out single stream to all residence halls by the end of 2014 academic year. Continually received feedback from users throughout process. As of now, the VCU Office of Sustainability is working in revamping signage and continually educating users.

The Planning process and challenges Receive support from Upper Management-Letter/Memo Facilities Management-take lead on process Clear communication on expectations Update all communications, decals, posters, etc. and containers to (2) bin system. Educate all the stakeholders and verify they understand the Single Stream Recycling process. Provide consistent service and utilize stakeholder feedback to make adjustments as needed. Monitor progress, accurate data for reporting.

VCU Goes Green with “ALL IN ONE” Single Stream Recycling Program

VCU Diversion Rate by the #’s with the new ALL IN ONE Single Stream Program 2013 2014 % of Total Material Weight/Tons % of total Change Scrap Metal 141 9% 124 8% -1% Single Stream/Commingle 732 50% 697 45% -5% Confidential 204 14% 94 6% -8% E-Scrap & UW 42 3% 0% Gov. Deals (est.)-Surplus Reuse 81 5% 148 13% +8% Cabell Library (*Clean-out) 161 10% +10% C&D-Renovations, Grounds, Surplus Recycling 283 19% 231 15% Total Recyclable Materials 1494 1538 +3% Total Waste 2953 2833 -4% VCU-Recycling Rate 33.4% 33.9% +.50%

Lessons Learned Establish a goal that is attainable. 40% vs. 75% diversion?, ZERO Waste? Survey your customers prior to fully implementing change. Complete a Pilot. Cleary communicate your message, do not use confusing language. Does ALL IN ONE mean everything? What % of contamination is acceptable? Make sure you customer understands the reasons for the change. Divert more waste to recycling. More focus on reducing and reusing before recycling. Use graphics and images that are easy to understand. Does FOOD & ORGANIC COLLECTION mean Composting or Landfill? Location, Location! Proper placement of recycling and waste bins is critical to capturing the proper waste stream to minimize cross contamination.

Next steps? Utilizing feedback from our customers and contractors to make adjustments. Ex. Events, Meetings, Surveys and information Tabling. Create marketing materials that provide clear and detailed information. On-line web-site: www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu and internal Telegram. QR-codes: Utilize social media: Provide print materials in central and high traffic areas. Fully utilize our internal educational resources. Interns, Staff and Faculty, etc.

Examples of new Outreach Materials Examples of new Outreach Materials *Green Guide-A Students Guide to Sustainable Living Streamlined signage and posters for placement in Residence Hall Collections areas.

Outreach in Residence Halls

Programs and Plans to enhance Recycling Education and Outreach Green Office Program to provide resources and recognition to Departments Ex. Waste Diversion, Purchasing, Energy, Human Health and Transportation Increased training and resources for contract housekeeping staff. Development of Sustainability Plan for University to provide clear direction. Creation of new a web-site that is more user friendly and provides timely data Making the Office of Sustainability more visible and accessible to Faculty, Staff and Students. Recent reorganization and relocation of office to central area on campus. Regular Single Stream Meetings with contractors to assess progress. Installation of new exterior max-R Recycling and Waste Collection stations.

Embracing our Diversity

Thank you, Virginia Recycling Association Contact Information: Steven Heinitz, Sustainability Program Coordinator Email: srheinit@vcu.edu RAMS Recycle!