The recycling sub-committee's mission is to reduce waste and increase recycling by WSU students, faculty and staff by:

• Developing a WSU waste reduction and recycling policy
• Planning and implementing a comprehensive campus-wide recycling program
• Achieving high and broad participation in waste reduction and recycling programs through institutional policies, communication, education, and full engagement of community members

As the committee works toward meeting these objectives, it will fulfill the waste minimization action requirements listed in the ACU Presidents Climate Commitment Implementation Guide: to participate in the waste minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition and to adopt three or more associated measures to reduce waste.

On February 25, 2008, Minnesota Waste Wise staff conducted a site visit at Winona State University. In their report, waste reduction and recycling achievements and issues are detailed and suggestions for improvement are provided.

Click here to view the Minnesota Waste Wise report for WSU

Minnesota WasteWise

Additional initiatives planned for 2008-2009:  

• Implement a paper reduction program, putting institutional policies in place for paper use
• Expand and improve the food composting program
• Develop guidelines for recycling hazardous waste
• Develop a program to reuse, refurbish, and recycle electronics and furniture

Projects supported by the Recycling/Zero Waste Committee:

• Green Team, Reduce Your Mark: a pilot project and proposal made by marketing students in spring 2008
• RecycleMania: 10 week competition among campuses nation-wide to increase recycling and reduce waste
• Pilot project between WSU and the Winona Farm in which paper towels from one restroom are used as hog bedding. Depending on project results, the program may be expanded. This project is coordinated by Bruno Borsari.