Pictured from left are Thomas Gleason – Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations; Michael McHarris – Director of Facilities & Operations; David Lupinski – Authority Director of Recycling; Dan Yoxall – Building Maintenance Supervisor; and Jack Altodoerfer – Director of Corporate Training and Chair of the Sustainability Council.
(Utica, NY – Dec. 2014) “In recognition of America Recycles Day, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority annually recognizes individuals, institutions or industries that have taken the initiative to reduce their solid waste stream through recycling and proper disposal. This year the Authority is honoring a higher education institution that provides valuable education and community services while addressing environmental concerns,” said David Lupinski, Authority Director of Recycling.
The Authority is pleased to announce that Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) is the recipient of the 2014 Recycling Champion Award.
“MVCC is committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive waste reduction, recycling and energy conservation plan that will continue to make a significant impact campus-wide,” said Dr. Randall VanWagoner, MVCC President.
MVCC has been an advocate for the environment through its dedication to increasing recycling and waste reduction on campus while reducing the dependence on our landfill and other natural resources. The College has incorporated sustainability initiatives into every aspect of the college, including daily operations, curriculum, student life, and community outreach.
MVCC partnered with the Authority to conduct its first-ever on-campus solid waste and recycling audit. The goal of the audit was to identify origins of waste, the types (paper, plastics, metal and glass), the volume and how they are being handled. The audit helped determine what strategies should be implemented for increased reuse and recycling. Nearly 800 pounds of solid waste from the Academic Building were sorted during the audit, and based on the audit results, the Authority provided MVCC with recommendations and strategies to help increase the campus recycling rate, and MVCC immediately began implementing such strategies.
MVCC’s 2013 & 2014 Sustainability Initiatives:
- Formed a Sustainability Council (faculty/staff) and a Sustainability Club (students).
- Created and implemented a sustainability educational campaign for students and staff.
- Invested in recycling containers for every classroom, dormitory, office and hallway campus-wide to reduce waste.
- Recycled over 8, 818 feet of fluorescent mercury bulbs.
- Recycled over 104 tons of paper, plastics, metal and glass.
- Collected and delivered for composting over 4.4 tons of green waste from its Utica campus.
- Recycled over 4.8 tons of wood pallets.
- Implemented waste reduction policies and practices.
- Implemented energy efficient policies and practices.
“In order for the successful implementation of these initiatives and to ultimately receive this recognition, it has taken a cooperative effort on behalf of MVCC’s buildings and grounds staff, Associate Dean for Student & Residence Life Services Dennis Gibbons, Student Congress Past President Devin Sonne, the Sustainability Club, Sustainability Council, administration, and students. Together, we have focused our efforts on becoming a more environmentally conscious organization,” said Thomas Gleason, Assistant Director of Facilities Operations for MVCC.
“MVCC is a leading example of how a higher education institution can implement a comprehensive and consistent recycling program while increasing awareness and motivating students to participate in sustainable efforts. They are well deserving of this award,” Lupinski concluded.
For more information, please contact David Lupinski, Director of Recycling, at (315) 733-1224 ext. 1600.