1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.
, 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%.
, Universal Waste Recycling Program established to recycle electric ballasts, batteries and fluorescent lightbulbs. 38,000 lbs. of E-Waste.
2005, VCU Recycling Rate %, 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.
, 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 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

4. 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)

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

6. VCU transition to Single Stream Recycling collection for all Facilities starting in 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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%

11. 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.

12. 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: 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.

13. 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.

14. Outreach in Residence Halls

15. 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.

16. Embracing our Diversity

17. Thank you, Virginia Recycling Association
Contact Information: Steven Heinitz, Sustainability Program Coordinator
RAMS Recycle!