For NIU students, recycling is all about location, location, location.

In the dorms, as well as throughout campus, separate recycling bins are readily available. However, many apartment complexes near campus do not offer recycling facilities to tenants.

“It takes a lot of money to have every single apartment have recycling facilities,” said Vanessa Beecher, a Star Properties office assistant.

A representative of College Housing Group said simply, “We don’t have room.”

But for green-minded DeKalbians, a little tenacity and a big trunk will go a long way. The university’s 3R recycling program operates out of the Physical Plant and offers a drop-off point for reusable materials.

The depository – a large, green collection container provided by Waste Management – is located on West Stadium Drive and is usable 24 hours a day. Recyclables do not need to be separated before being deposited.

Acceptable materials include plastics numbered one or two, unbroken glass bottles and cans and paper (including junk mail), according to NIU energy specialist Mary Alice Drain.

Students do not have to worry about paying for this green service.

Mary Jo Marshall, a waste and utilities specialist out of the NIU Physical Plant said, “There’s no charge; that was part of our contract.”

Waste Management hauls the recycling away for free in addition to the garbage contract they have with the university.

More information on the 3R program, along with what can and can not be recycled is available at http://www.niu.edu/recycling/easy.shtml.