With the addition of the Commons, Vanderbilt has demonstrated its commitment to the green movement, and this year that same commitment is expanding to other parts of campus, particularly residential halls.

Recycling Coordinator Jennifer Hackett said that all residence halls and houses with the exception of the four high-rise buildings (Carmichael Towers West and East, Morgan and Lewis) are now equipped with in-room recycling bins. Students are urged to use these bins, which are purchased by the Office of Housing and Residential Education as their budget allows.

Dumpsters, which collect paper, plastic and aluminum, are located near all residence halls, and some areas also allow for deposits of cardboard.

"We are working on increasing this old infrastructure to provide adequate recycling locations and increased frequency of pick-ups in all areas," said Hackett.

A program to place recycling bins in at least one lobby area of each of the residential houses and halls in the Commons has also been launched, and the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management is looking to expand these bins to more areas throughout the year.

"The success of this latest initiative will be very dependent upon residents using them as they are intended - for recycling generated while in that area - and not for room recycling, which is the responsibility of each resident to empty in the area provided to them outside," Hackett said. She added that residents of Carmichael Towers are an exception to this rule.

In addition, there are nearly 20 outdoor recycling stations lining the walkways on campus this year. The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management is also currently in the process of replacing old recycling bins and increasing the number and location of bins inside of academic and administrative buildings.

In the past, Hackett said Greek students have worked on their own recycling programs, and they have recycling bins in three of the four Greek dumpster areas. Recently, a proposal was submitted to the Greek Life Office offering Greeks an opportunity to participate more fully in the campus recycling program.

Students interested in learning more should visit their website at www.vanderbilt.edu/SustainVU.

  

CORRECTION: Monday’s article “Recycling efforts improve” said all residence halls, excluding the high-rise buildings, are equipped with in-room recycling bins. While some of the residence halls, such as Kissam Quadrangle, are already equipped with these in-room bins, many dorms are still waiting to receive theirs. The bins have been ordered and are expected to arrive shortly.