An Idea Worth Re-using: A 'Dumpster Dive' is Once Again Featured as Part of VCU’s Celebration of 'America Recycles Day'

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University is participating in “America Recycles Day” on Monday, Nov. 15. It’s the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting recycling and the purchase of recycled products.

As part of the observance, volunteers will conduct a waste audit, sifting through 12 bags of trash from buildings across the Monroe Park Campus to determine how much of the trash could actually be recycled.

The waste audit will be conducted from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Park Plaza, between the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts and Hibbs Hall. Participants will be given HAZMAT suits to organize trash and recyclable items.

A similar “Dumpster dive” last year determined that about 35 percent of what was in the trash could have been recycled.  Redirected to recycling were an estimated 800 pounds of plastic bottles, 600 pounds of leaves, 125 pounds of cardboard boxes, 100 pounds of mixed paper, 50 pounds of glass and 50 pounds of wood and metal.

Later in the day, three- to four-member teams from VCU’s Fraternities and Sororities will build sculptures out of some of the recycled items removed from the trash. Scissors, twine and biodegradable tape will be provided. The Greek Recyclable Sculpture Contest takes place from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Park Plaza. Judges will select a winner from the entries. 

Some of the day’s events take place inside. From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. unwanted electronics will be collected for recycling on the first floor of Shafer Court Dining Center and a display of food waste will encourage student diners to be more thoughtful when they fill their plates.

For more information about VCU’s participation in America Recycles Day or other university sustainability practices, visit VCU Goes Green.