campus

Congratulations to Ferrum College’s EnviroClub for their $500 Green Grants award for their Recycling Program plans!

The campus at Ferrum College in Franklin County currently does not have a recycling program.  Students in the EnviroClub saw the need for metal recycling on campus to keep aluminum cans out of the landfill.  They want to encourage fellow students to choose aluminum over plastic.  An aluminum can has the ability to be recycled again and again, unlike plastics.

Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.  Because aluminum is one of the most recycled (and recyclable) materials, a recycled aluminum beverage can is often recycled directly back into itself.  Thanks to the well-established recycling infrastructure, a recycled aluminum package can be back on the store shelf in as little as 60 days.

Funds from the Green Grants award will be used to purchase five Commercial Zone 30-Gallon Canpactors.  Students have identified five areas on campus that are areas of high aluminum can usage and waste, such as the stadium area, that will be best suited for visibility and convenience.  One Canpactor will be placed in each of the target areas.  Members of the EnviroClub will collect the cans from the bins and move them to a storage area on campus.  They will weigh the cans to monitor progress, and take them to one of the three metal scrap yards nearby. They will also survey students to get an idea of how many students use the bins.

Congratulations EnviroClub, and good luck as you kick off your recycling program in the Fall of 2024!