By: Jose Perez III Jamal Asad Noe Villa Jose Cortez

In the past 10 years recycling has been integrated as a part of life in the United States. It is the responsibility of everyone to recycle and help facilitate for a better environment in your community.

The UTEP Centennial year is fast approaching. Changes are taking place as we speak and the University of Texas at El Paso is only getting bigger and better. A University with the credentials of having 100 years under its belt is no accident. The reason for having such longevity is a positive image, great learning environment, great teachers, staff, and contributions of fellow students.

Improving our recycling program will continue the trend of having a positive and great clean university. A Green University can play a major factor in the environment, students economic standpoint, and energy efficiency. An organized green program would create jobs exclusively for students who are in need, would reduce overall cost on the university, and would make the environment a better and cleaner place.

 The average American throws away 3.5 pounds of trash per day.  The average American uses 650 lbs. of paper per year.  One ton of paper from recycled pulp saves 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 7000 gallons of water, 4200 kWh (enough to heat a home for half a year), 390 gallons of oil, and prevents 60 pounds of air pollutants.  Producing recycled white paper creates 74 percent less air pollution, 35 percent less water pollution, and 75 percent less processed energy than producing paper from virgin fibers.  Recycling one ton of cardboard saves over nine cubic yards of landfill space.

 Number of landfills in operation in 1978: 14,000; in 1988: 7,924; in 2001: 1,858; in 2006: 1,754.  Recycling one ton of newspaper saves 15 trees.  Every ton of newspaper recycled saves 4100 kWh or enough energy to power a TV for 31 hours.  Recycling a soda can saves 96 percent of the energy used to make a can from ore and produces 95 percent less air pollution and 97 percent less water pollution.  One gallon of oil, when reprocessed, can generate enough energy to meet the electricity needs of a home for half a day

 Began in 1998  Currently run by 4 individuals: 1 staff member and 3 students  Recycles paper, aluminum, plastic bottles, and even printing cartridges

 UTEP’s recycling lags behind other UT schools  Rival NMSU started their program in 1994 and they handle large quantities and many reusable resources  Steel  Asphalt  Tires  Yard Waste

 Program has been very successful  Makes it very easy for the public to recycle:  Paper & Cardboard  Aluminum  Plastics 1 &2  It is the largest curbside recycling program here in our nation!

 Incentives come from both state and federal agencies.  Texas has a rebate program that businesses and institutions can recoup up to fifty percent of recycling equipment.  The I.R.S gives a tax break for any business or institution that purchases there own equipment for the purpose of collecting or distributing recycled materials.

 Recycling companies pick up recycled material once a week for free.  Weigh and separate recycled materials.  Calculate totals to be paid to the university and wait for the money to roll in.

 Twin Cities Recycler Incorporated is willing to pay:  Plastics- $0.20/lb.  Paper & Cardboard- $0.03/lb.  Aluminum- $0.55/lb. Totals to be paid out once a month.

 Accounting  Managerial  Operations  Clerk  And many more!

 California’s employs over people and generates $2.25 billion.  Recycling Industry employs approximately 1.1 million people and generates about $37 billion.

Thank You! Any Questions?