Options to Address Environmental Concerns in Bid Responses

Background

The products and packaging entering the campus from vendors contracts have direct financial and environmental impacts to CU-Boulder.

Soft drink packaging in particular has significant effects on the campus recycling program. While revenues from the sale of aluminum offset recycling costs for instance, plastic bottles are very expensive to handle.

Research students have identified costs and benefits to the University’s recycling program of aluminum versus plastic packaging. Revenues from plastic bottles instead of aluminum cans for instance, could decrease total recycling revenues $8,000 annually. Collection and processing of plastic will place additional costs ($12,000 - $15,000) on the recycling program.

The CU Solid Waste Advisory Board has recommended soliciting support for recycling and waste management from vendors doing business with the University. Financial, operational, and promotional support from vendors would increase the cost effectiveness of recycling at C.U.-Boulder.

Research students have also compiled information from campus recycling programs around the country about the kinds and amounts of contractual support they receive from vendors. Increasingly, vendors have recognized the need to assist campus recycling programs and have provided a wide range of support. Much of what is being done around the country is included in the options listed below.

The Solid Waste Advisory Board also recommends providing positive publicity to those companies which support recycling at C. U.

Objectives

• decrease the import of solid waste to campus
• increase materials recycled on campus
• offset expenses for recycling or disposing of materials imported to CU-Boulder
• establish new mechanisms for promoting campus waste reduction and recycling efforts
• promote companies who support C.U.’s recycling efforts

Financial / Operational Support for Recycling

Materials: Relative to soft drink distribution at CU-Boulder, CU Recycling accepts the following materials for recycling

• corrugated cardboard boxes
• aluminum cans
• PETE plastic bottles
• HDPE plastic bottles
• glass bottles

Process: Cardboard must be kept separate from other recyclables. Aluminum, plastic, and glass can be co-mingled in the same container. Large amounts of valuable aluminum are typically kept separate.

Minimum Requirements:

• provide funding assistance to offset collection and processing costs
• recycle corrugated cardboard from soft drink packaging

Options:

• deliver cardboard from vending machine stocking to CU’s recycling facility
• provide containers for cardboard collection at special events/and other CU functions
• provide containers for collection of bottles and cans at special events/and other CU functions

Waste Reduction

Waste Reduction is a preferred waste management strategy for CU-Boulder and includes:

• reducing the amount of material used to accomplish a task
• reuse of a product in its original form
• use of a refillable or durable product that results in longer useful life

Options:

• offer refillable, (dishwasher-safe) plastic cups
• use button-activated dispensers (rather than paddle activated) so cups can be refilled
• use in-line flow meters and other inventory control methods so cups can be refilled
• return wooden pallets or reusable plastic pallets (HDPE, nylon/fiberglass options)

Recycled Products

Recycling is an important part of the solution to the managing CU’s solid waste. However, until companies "close the loop" by using products and packages made from recycled materials, recycling will not fully succeed.

Options:

• providing paper cups made which are made with post-consumer fiber
• providing plastic bottles which are made with post-consumer resin
• use post-consumer materials for carrier stock, pallets; strapping; paper for letterhead,
  copying and promotional uses; uniforms

Promotional Support

CU students, faculty, and staff care about a company’s commitment to the environment. Companies can help support the recycling program with promotional assistance. CU Recycling has offered to reciprocate by acknowledging company’s contributions and providing logo space on donated equipment.

Options:

• instructing employees in proper recycling procedures at CU-Boulder
• donating containers and recycling collection equipment
• providing promotional items like signs and banners