University of Scranton Seniors Start Recycling Program for Students Living Off-Campus

         A group of University of Scranton seniors are spearheading a recycling program for students living in off-campus houses and apartments.

         “Bin Your Bottles” is the brainchild of University of Scranton senior communication majors Lauren Auwarter, Garden City, N.Y.; Siobhan McKenna, Clarks Summit; Olivia Kozinski, Long Valley, N.J.; Alex Von Nessen, Hillsborough, N.J.; Heather Mornan, Bedminster, N.J.; and Megan Walsh, Prospect Park, as a part of their communication senior seminar class with Jan Kelly, Ph.D., associate professor of communication. The program provides recycling bins at off-campus houses and apartments in the Hills Section for use through the City of Scranton’s recycling program.

         “Bin Your Bottles” was launched as a Facebook event, asking students who reside off-campus if they would be interested in a recycling program.

         “The response we got was overwhelming,” said Von Nessen. “I was really surprised and happy with the amount of students who wanted to recycle and be green. This was definitely a need in the community.”

         Approximately 50 student households have requested recycling bins.

         After reporting the addresses with the city’s Department of Public Works and receiving the appropriate number of recycling bins and containers, the six students in charge of the project began to distribute the bins to the students residing in the Hill Section in December.

The University of Scranton implemented a Sustainability Task Force in 2005 and has pledged to approach the issue of sustainability through academics, physical plant and community education.