Recycling: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers provided by Chris Jackman, Director of Building Services (cjackman at gsu.edu- 404-413-0607).
Which materials can be recycled on Georgia State's campus?
We recycle all paper products (cardboard, plain, color, magazines, newspapers, phone books, books) as well as drink containers like bottles and cans, and wooden pallets. We want to start recycling toner cartridges after July 15, 2008 but have to work out some logistics, because departments have different vendors.
Which materials can NOT be recycled on Georgia State's campus?
Right now, we can’t recycle Styrofoam.
What different kinds of recycling bins are there on campus, and which materials go where? Are those big blue office bins just for paper, or is it appropriate to put other materials in as well?
The big blue bins can be used for things other than paper, but we want to keep things separate, so you'll need more than one bin. All paper can go in one bin, bottles and cans in another. We are also acquiring multi-function bins that have separate compartments for bottles, cans, paper and trash. They’re being set out at different locations around campus as we acquire them. The real test is to see if people will use the compartments appropriately. That will be evaluated before we move to use more of these.
I have a recycling bin in my office, but when it gets full I'm not sure what to do. Who can I call to have it emptied?
Call Building Services at 3-0600 for pick-up. You can also call to request more bins if necessary.
Where do the collected materials go?
We have several means of disposal. All paper products are presently handled through a program with the Georgia Building Authority where they provide a receptacle and pickup. The money paid by the recycling company (American Paper Recycling) goes back to the GBA to pay for their costs and for new recycling bins.
Plastics are sold to Pratt Industries. We make almost nothing here as costs of transporting materials to their facility eats up the small amount we get per ton.
Cans are sold to Davis Recycling for 65 cents a pound for loads over 50 lbs.
Are there any special days or programs where particular materials are accepted -- for example, an electronics recycling day or the like?
At present, no.
Does Georgia State compost? If so, can staff, students and faculty participate?
We have composted some materials (brush cuttings) but we do this at Panthersville and transportation issues are a concern here. We have no facilities on the main campus to do this at this time.
What about recycling rainwater runoff?
Building Services has recently purchased eight 250-gallon water collection tanks that will capture rainwater runoff to be used for pressure washing projects and irrigation.
