Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 5/10/05 Section: Campus News

Three recycling bins in the back of the Facilities Development and Operations Building are used to store the school's cardboard, metals, plastics and organic waste the university no longer needs. The 30-cubic-yard containers are picked up every month so t [Click to enlarge]

With more than 30,000 students, staff and faculty members, San Jose State University creates an enormous amount of waste. According to the State Agency Waste Management Annual Report for 2002-04, SJSU generated 201,213 tons of trash between 2002 and 2004. While at least half of it was diverted to recycling, that still leaves approximately 100,606 tons of nonrecycled waste.

SJSU is beefing up its efforts to recycle, reduce and reuse with "Think Green and Clean," a campuswide program meant to reduce the amount of resources used and conserve energy. From the "Stay Off The Lawn!" signs to the myriads of navy blue recycling containers in the classrooms and on campus, SJSU is committed to keeping the campus green.

"It's a very good program," said SJSU interim President Don Kassing, who called the campus recycling and waste-reduction program "one of the most progressive in the CSU system."

According to the SJSU's Facilities Development Office and Operations Web site, "Think Green and Clean" owes its success to the use of campus beautification, litter reduction, "Stay Off The Grass" lawn signs, energy conservation, the use of recycled water, waste reduction and recycling, alternative transportation and "clean air vehicles." All of the campus buildings are kept at a constant temperature range of 68 to 78 degrees, the Web site says.

To conserve more energy and keep utility costs down, CSU Executive Order 785 requires that all CSU campuses reduce energy consumption by another 15 percent. It means that no electric fans or heaters are allowed in any campus building, including the residence halls and Campus Village, unless an occupant has a documented medical condition requiring one.

It goes on to further state that all electrical appliances, such as coffee pots and microwaves must be in designated kitchen areas.

Bruce Olszewski, an environmental studies lecturer and director of the Center of Development of Recycling, believes there is still much room for improvement.

"One of the problems is the funding - the university has received significant economic benefits from reducing its waste," he said.

By further embracing recycling, such as placing more bins throughout SJSU classrooms, Olszewski argues that SJSU could reap even more benefits both environmentally and financially.

In addition to teaching environmental courses and being the Center Development of Recycling's director, Olszewski also heads the Santa Clara County Recycling Hotline. Whether it's a construction site that has questions about hazardous material or just an individual wondering whether he can recycle a pizza box, the hotline is toll-free and can handle anything. Well, almost, as Olszewski found out. According to Olszewski, people try to recycle the strangest of things.

"We had a guy call about his dead horse," said Olszewski, who referred him to an animal group that properly disposed of the deceased horse.

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