Graphic by Kyle Howe
Recycling graphic
Environmentally-conscious students at NC State have been a driving force for recycling programs at student off-campus apartments in an effort to promote sustainability.
One of the newest apartments around campus is Theory Raleigh, which opened this past August. The apartment had most common amenities in place at launch, but not recycling. However, within a month of its opening, residents expressed significant interest in this service, according to Destany Hayes, leasing manager at Theory Raleigh.
“We got word from many residents that they would enjoy recycling and for things to be recycled, so, of course, we wanted to make that an option,” Hayes said. “So yeah, it was something that they asked for and they received.”
Hayes explained that this is still a work in progress, and that expansion plans are in the works.
“For the future, we are looking into ensuring that all items that can be recycled are taken down [from the trash rooms],” Hayes said. “We’re gonna look at companies that can take that trash down itself from our trash rooms, but for right now we just have the trash bin outside.”
Lani St. Hill, outreach coordinator at Waste Reduction and Recycling, said that students at NC State are proactive in supporting and creating new sustainability-oriented programs.
“Simple things from recycling at resident halls back in the late 80s,” St. Hill said. “Recycling at tailgating events, that was because of students; it’s now a huge program. Composting inside of residence halls, students; pizza box composting, students; moving away from plastic bags, students. All of these things were student-driven.”
This interest in sustainability is common in other communities. Rhodes Marley, community assistant at Stanhope Apartments, said that while students have not expressed desires of expansion, they are satisfied with and know how to recycle at Stanhope.
“They know it’s there; they know to put the cardboard there, put the cans, glass, bottles there, trash there,” Marley said. “They haven’t expressed outwardly any desire for additional or in depth [recycling]. Kind of just the basics.”
Marley explained that there are costs and challenges with running waste programs; however, this does not stop Stanhope from providing services to students.
“Logistically it is hard,” Marley said. “Just the volume, scheduling and organization; it’s difficult. The biggest issue would definitely be the cost of it. It’s considered an additional cost on the corporate level– it is a good thing to do. I know that the company that owns this building strongly believes in it. We do what we can to recycle.”
St. Hill said she is glad to see this degree of support for recycling among students.
“It’s a norm, almost,” St. Hill said. “As I’ve seen through the years, [recycling] becomes more and more common, which is amazing. We’re dealing with a population where sustainability is a way of life.”
She also explained that NC State feels an obligation to be responsible in dealing with waste, matching the sentiment of students.
“We feel we have a responsibility not only educating people but also really taking into account how we affect the environment and the land we’re on,” St. Hill said.
Valentine Commons and The Republic both offer recycling services to their residents, but did not comment past those details.
More information on NC State’s recycling program can be found on the university program’s website.