What We're Doing

Recycling and Waste

Zero Waste WWU!

The WWU Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management are committed to eliminating all recyclable and compostable waste from the WWU waste stream. Through education, operational changes and peer education, WWU will become a "zero waste" institution.

View the latest WWU Waste Analysis project from the Air
and Waste Management Association student group here.

Program Contact: Seth Vidaña, Coordinator, Office of Sustainability
Email: Seth.Vidana@wwu.edu

WWU Recycling Center

In 1971, Western Washington University became one of the first universities in the United States to have a campus recycling program. The A.S. Recycle Center continues to be unique among its kind: it's student - run! Every day, the A.S. Recycle Center collects 3,800 pounds of recyclables from Western's campus, continuing our commitment to reducing Western's waste stream and lightening our burden on the environment.

Website: http://recycle.as.wwu.edu/
Program Contact: Richard Neyer, WWU Recycle Center Coordinator
Email: Richard.Neyer@wwu.edu

Electronics Recycling

The following vendors we use for electronics and rechargeable batteries recycling and disposal hold the E-Steward certification. These vendors are:

1. ECS Refining - This company has recycled a majority if not all of Western's electronics that has gone through the Surplus process since 2007. Through the Apple e-waste program, Apple has paid for the transportation and recycling/ disposal of Western's e-waste. The Certificate of Recycling that we receive comes from ECS Recycling. ECS Recycling is on the e-Stewards Recycler listing.


2. Call2Recycle - Known for a long time as RBRC (Rechargeable Battery and Recycling Corp), EHS has shipped Western's rechargeable batteries to Call2Recycle for recycling. Call2Recycle is also on the e-Stewards Recycler listing.


3. Total Reclaim - Total Reclaim is the sister company of Ecolights NW. Ecolights holds the WA State contract for electronics recycling. When Western is unable to recycle electronics through the Apple program as stated above, the other responsible option is to recycle through Ecolights. Total Reclaim is on the e-Stewards Recycler listing.

For hazardous waste and non-rechargeable batteries, Western uses Clean Harbors (they are not on the e-Stewards list but holds the WA State Contract for disposal of hazardous waste).

WWU Facilities Management also uses Ecolights NW for recycling and disposal of Western's fluorescent lamps.

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Program News

Western Today: Pilot project in Arntzen Hall aims to reduce landfill waste {9/14/11}
Western Today: Student move-out events include trash pick-up... {6/2/11}
The Bellingham Herald: WWU students' ReMade products to be sold at... {6/1/11}
The Bellingham Herald: Bellingham fashion show makes trash look good {4/25/11}
Whatcom Magazine: Bellingham art & fashion shows focus on recycled... {4/4/11}