Exploring Strategies for Converting Illinois Wesleyan University from Dual-Stream to Single-Stream Recycling

Authors

Megan George '13, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow

Publication Date

11-2012

Comments

Appendices are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to answer the question: how can a transition from dual-stream to single-stream recycling be implemented effectively as a way of increasing the rate of recycling on the Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) campus? The problem of waste in the United States is of increasing concern for many reasons. For the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois community-- where IWU is located-- the imminent filling of the local landfill site inspired a community-wide push towards improving waste diversion strategies, and in this case: recycling programs. This research focused on both analyzing the current recycling program at IWU and examining other recycling program strategies in a variety of communities in order to develop a strategy specific to the IWU community. Through conducting a review of the literature, observations of the IWU recycling program, in-depth interviews with IWU students, faculty, and physical plant staff, and interviews with other knowledgeable community members, it was determined that there are a variety of strategies that can be implemented to increase the rate at which the IWU community recycles.

Disciplines

Civic and Community Engagement | Community-Based Research | Environmental Sciences

Recommended Citation

George, Megan '13, "Exploring Strategies for Converting Illinois Wesleyan University from Dual-Stream to Single-Stream Recycling" (2012). Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers. 13.
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/envstu_seminar/13