Going green, one sofa at a time

May 7, 2009 | Features, UToday
By Kim Goodin



The golden rule of green — “reduce, reuse, recycle” — will be on display throughout UT this week.

As students pack their bags for the summer, UT has again partnered with Goodwill of Northwest Ohio Inc. to recycle their unwanted living items, including furniture, electronics and even mattresses in good condition.

Staffed Goodwill trailers will be at Carter Hall, Ottawa House and Parks/McComas Village from noon to 8 p.m. through Friday. Students are encouraged to bring discarded items to these locations.

“Last year, we diverted well over two tons of clothing, carpeting, housewares, appliances and furniture,” said Bob Boyd, manager of building services. “We want to do even better this year. Before students toss it out, we hope they think about whether it can be used by someone else.”

This is the third year that UT and Goodwill have formed a recycling partnership. In addition to promoting a greener campus, the program also saves a substantial amount in the cost to remove and dispose of discarded items.

Trash, however, will not be accepted. A list of acceptable items — as well as those not recyclable — is available on the Goodwill Web site, www.goodwillnwohio.com/donate.html, and on flyers posted throughout Main Campus.

Faculty and staff who would like to get in on the green action are encouraged to participate in UT’s recycling program, which accepts beverage containers (plastic, glass and aluminum), paper (copier/fax, newspapers, magazines and catalogs) and corrugated boxes on Health Science and Main campuses.

“We also accept old computer hardware after it has been cleared by Property Control,” Boyd said. “Just call 419.530.1021 so we can schedule a pickup.”

Faculty and staff can arrange for pickup of large amounts of recyclables by calling the same number.

“We’re trying to keep an ‘Earth Day’ frame of mind year-round,” Boyd said, noting that members of the University community are encouraged to bring recyclable items from home. “It benefits everyone, from our small corner of the community to people around the world.”