The NIU Residence Hall Recycling Committee would first of all like to thank the Northern Star for addressing recycling in the Residence Halls, along with our committee. We hope that others will see this movement brewing, and join our cause. That being said, we would like to clarify some things that were mentioned in the article “Recycling opportunity benefits environment” in the April 22nd issue of the Northern Star.

First, we have the complete support of the Residential Facilities and the Recycling Specialist of NIU. Our biggest obstacle right now is funding. The Douglas Hall Council was passionate about our cause, and took the initiative to pass a budget for $2,000 (not the $200 that was stated in the article) for our pilot program. We hope this program will go well and lead to more financial support from other Hall Councils, the Residence Hall Association, and maybe even some outside sources.

Second, the Building Service Workers (BSWs) do in fact recycle any garbage cans labeled for recycling. BSWs use creative methods to distinguish the bags that will be placed in the recycling dumpster from those disposed of in regular dumpsters.

Third, the Recycling Committee is working on a lot more than just getting bins for the halls. While we wait for the arrival of our pilot program bins, we have been working with the Recycling Specialist and the Facilities and Operations Liaison to create a textbook recycling program in the Residence Halls for the end of the year. We are also working on an ink cartridge recycling program, recycling awareness programs and are constantly brainstorming new ideas.

We are really excited to get these initiatives started, and hope to generate even more student involvement as we go along. Our primary way of communicating is through our Facebook group: NIU Residence Hall Recycling Committee. Also, because we are a branch of the Hall Councils and the Residence Hall Association, you can also find more information about us at those meetings. We hope this letter clarifies any confusion.

Joseph Burkhalter

Chairman, NIU Residence Hall Recycling Committee

Freshman Mathematics Major