University of Oregon Receives 2006 AF&PA School Recycling Award

The University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon has been recognized for its exceptional recycling program, receiving the 2006 American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) School Recycling Award in the college and university category. With a comprehensive program that includes education and outreach to its 24,000-strong campus community, the university has successfully recovered over 9,000 tons of paper, resulting in a cost savings of over $2 million. The program not only promotes sustainability on campus but also extends its efforts to the greater community through partnerships and networking.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of Oregon's Recycling Program is a student-initiated and run organization, demonstrating student-led environmental stewardship.
• The program includes education and outreach to all 24,000 members of the campus community, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.
• Through extensive tracking of specific materials, the university has recovered more than 9,000 tons of paper, resulting in a cost savings of over $2 million.
• The program source separates more than 40 types of materials on campus, generating revenue to augment the program.
• The program's committee, professional memberships, partnerships, and networking extend its efforts into the greater community, working with local, regional, and international waste management initiatives.
• The AF&PA Recycling Awards recognize outstanding individual, business, community, and school paper recycling efforts.
• In 2005, a record-high 51.5 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling, with the industry aiming for 55 percent recovery by 2012.
• The AF&PA represents over 200 companies and related associations, engaging in or representing the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products.
• The forest products industry accounts for approximately 7 percent of total U.S. manufacturing output, employing 1.5 million people, and ranking as the top 10 manufacturing employer in 42 states.

Statistics:

• 9,000 tons of paper recovered through the University of Oregon's Recycling Program
• Cost savings of over $2 million as a result of the program
• 51.5 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. recovered for recycling in 2005
• 55 percent recovery goal for the paper industry by 2012
• 200 companies and related associations represented by AF&PA
• 1.5 million people employed in the forest products industry

Sources:

• American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) School Recycling Awards
• University of Oregon recycling program website (www.uoregon.edu)
• AF&PA website (www.afandpa.org) and www.paperecycles.org
• AF&PA 2006 Recycling Award press release