NIU fraternities and sororities are uniting to become the first Illinois greek community to start a recycling program.

“This program should show the community that we’re not all fun and games,” said Kathy Pascher, head of the program and member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. All the sororities and most of the fraternities are participating, she said.

The program involves selling 20-gallon containers to all participating houses at $10 apiece, Pascher said. A collection will be taken of four groups of refuse: newspapers, glass or plastic items, aluminum, and mixed papers, she added.

Pascher said a letter will be sent to the national headquarters of all participating houses to try to get national recognition.

“Most houses are buying two containers,” Pascher said. “They’ll probably use one for mixed papers and one for aluminum since they’re the most used materials.” Pascher said newspapers will be stacked alongside the containers.

While the sororities have already paid for the containers, the Interfraternity Council is developing a rush booklet to help the fraternities pay for them, Pascher said.

The fraternities can purchase advertising space for a set price, she said.

The proceeds from the advertising will be used to pay for the fraternities’ containers, Pascher said. Any excess funds will be donated to a charity, she added.

Cameron Davis, administrative assistant of the Public Works Department, generated the idea with Greek Adviser Dawn Sturma and Christina Hulting, president of Panhellenic Council, late last semester.

“We are using the greek houses as a starting point,” Davis said. “Individuals of Greek Row will serve as an example … not only to the community but also to the university.”

Pascher said the container orders went out two weeks ago. She expects the containers to be delivered in three weeks and will start the program then.