University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

June 18, 2001

Contact: Bill Burton (312) 996-2269; burton@uic.edu

UIC TAKES STATEWIDE HONORS FOR RECYCLING ON CAMPUS

The UICycle program at the University of Illinois at Chicago has been named the Outstanding University Recycling and Waste Reduction Program for 2001 by the Illinois Recycling Association. The award recognizes UIC for providing recycling opportunities to faculty, staff and students that result in the collection of over 1,200 tons of recyclable materials annually.

The association announced the award at its annual meeting last week in Skokie, Ill.

"We're thrilled to be chosen for this award by our peers in the recycling world," said Betsy Vandercook, assistant director of facilities management and director of the program. "In many ways, from running natural-gas shuttle buses to managing a chemical redistribution program for laboratories, UIC is becoming a more environmentally proactive institution."

Initiated in 1994, UICycle collects paper, cardboard, bottles and cans through a system of over 12,000 desk-side and central bins placed throughout UIC's classroom and administrative buildings. UIC also operates its own packer truck for hauling clean, recycled paper and cardboard from campus to a local recycling processor.

In addition to collecting paper and mixed containers, UIC recycles fluorescent lights, motor oil, batteries, toner cartridges, CDs and computer diskettes and was the first institution in the Chicago area to recycle carpeting.

The program also encourages the UIC community to reuse materials. During Earth Month, UICycle held a three-day "Great Stuff Exchange," where thousands of surplus office supplies were donated and exchanged by faculty, staff and students.

- UIC -