Waste Minimization / Recycling

Since 1990, ECU has had an active recycling program, which operates out of the Office of Environmental Health & Safety and is known as ECU Recycling. Over the past several years, the unit has instituted a centralized collection program across both campuses to improve efficiency.  Utilizing this program, ECU Recycling collects various paper products, cardboard, bottles and cans.  This accounts for nearly half of all materials recycled at ECU.  In 1990, the ECU Recycling program collected and recycled about 100,000 pounds of material.  Last year, the program recycled over 900,000 pounds of material and is expected to surpass the 1 million pound mark this year.  The University as a whole recycled over 1,600,000 pounds of material, including ECU Recycling collections, yard waste, construction waste, antifreeze, freon, and other materials.

Even with all the materials recycled, the ECU Recycling program identified several opportunities to improve recycling efforts on campus.  To pave the way for these improvements, the recycling program procured a versatile multi-purpose vehicle.  This vehicle will be used to collect waste cardboard, commingled beverage containers, yard debris, and refuse from special events.  This vehicle will be instrumental in improving the collection and recycling of commingled materials from the fifteen residence halls and three dining halls on campus.

Beside the paper, cardboard, used beverage containers, scrap metals and wood pallets collected and recycled by ECU Recycling, other departments recycle unique materials.

• ECU’s Grounds Department collects and composts yard debris and tree trimmings for reuse as mulch.

•  Our Automotive Center recycles used oil, oil filters, tires, auto batteries, and parts cleaner. 

• Our Materials Management Group promotes the purchase of materials produced from recycled products and collects spent printer and copier ink cartridges. 

• ECU's Facilities Services recycles old window air conditioning units and refrigerators (white goods)

• ECU Dining Services recycles spent cooking grease and oil.