Students say “show me the money” in new recycling program

Recycling for Cash—a catchy name, and a popular program in RIT’s residence halls.

But don’t worry—RIT students don’t have to be bribed into recycling. Instead, profits from redeeming recyclables go to refurbish something on their residence hall floor or is donated to charity, says Tara Loomis, associate director of residence life. Renovations include everything from new balls for the foosball table to soap dispensers for the bathrooms.

Recycling for Cash began last spring quarter, spearheaded by Jason Flynn, RIT’s recycling administrator. Flynn, a graduate student, works part time for Facilities Management Services. “Jason is responsible for this innovative program in the residence halls and his passion for this cause has helped make it a success,” says Loomis.

Garbage cans on each floor are labeled for recyclables and a designated recycler takes the cans and bottles back for redemption. Floors with overflowing bins are given 48 hours notice before housekeeping empties them.

Also new in the way of recycling at RIT is a better way to dispose of the many belongings that students leave behind at the end of the school year. During move-out last year, Flynn and Loomis set up cardboard boxes under residence hall stairwells and encouraged students to put unwanted clothes, books, appliances and other items in them. About 40 boxes containing more than 1,000 pounds of clothing and 200 pounds of food were donated to Goodwill and Open Door Mission, instead of going in the dumpster. The program continues through the school year.