노스웨스트미주리주립대
Northwest named Glass Recycling Program
Northwest named Glass Recycling Program of the Year
Northwest Missouri State University recently competed against cities in seven Midwest states to win Ripple Glass’ inaugural Glass Recycling Program of the Year Award.
As the award’s first recipient, Northwest will receive a semi-truck load of Owen’s Corning fiberglass insulation, a $10,000 retail value, which will be used for energy conservation projects.
Northwest grew its glass recycling program from 59.60 tons in 2016 to 63.39 tons in 2017. Additionally, Northwest is preparing its recycling and pellet plant to as a regional recycling drop-off location.
A panel of independent judges scored Northwest’s application against a group of competing programs that also offer glass recycling programs.
“Northwest scored highly because of their dedication to providing recycling solutions to their community,” Lauren Henry, regional program manager for Ripple Glass. “In order to meet the continuing need, the recycling plant staff refreshed the collection site on campus and expanded its infrastructure to accommodate intake from the community.”
Northwest’s legacy of using alternative energy sources and sustainability initiatives dates back to 1982 when the University established a biomass energy system using wood chips. Later, during the early 1990s, Northwest enhanced its energy program by adding discarded newspaper, corrugated and cardboard boxes, magazines and other clean paper products to its alternative fuel processes with the production of paper pellets. Northwest has realized $15.4 million in energy savings through alternative fuel energy production, allowing the University to reallocate funding to instructional programs and upgrades.
In 2010, Northwest added a glass recycling machine to its operations. The machine crushes glass into tiny particles that can be used in a variety of ways while saving money for the University.
Northwest’s recycling program has been recognized three times by the Missouri State Recycling Program. The University’s recycling annually generates revenues of more than $25,000 and helps Northwest avoid paying more than $17,000 in landfill fees while diverting about 361 tons from the local landfill.
