Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)’s Recycling Enhancement and Education Project was awarded a $42,800 grant in July.
The grant is funded through the Region M Waste Management District, which serves the Barton, Jasper, McDonald, Newton, Vernon Counties and provides funding for recycling and waste reduction programs in those areas.
“The process to apply for and receive the grant was a collaborative effort between MSSU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Program, Facilities Services, and the Sustainability Committee,” said Melissah Perkins, master instructor of Biology and Environmental Health at MSSU. “The EHS Program worked with Facilities Services to determine necessary equipment to assist with and enhance the current recycling program. Each group helped gather quotes and reviewed the application. The Sustainability Committee deployed a campus wide survey that helped us determine the knowledge gaps in what MSSU can recycle versus what individuals think MSSU recycles. The survey also informed us on how students would like to be presented with information regarding recycling content and messages.”
Funds will be utilized by purchasing standardized recycling bins, storage carts at each selected location to prevent recycling bin overflow, a cart for transporting recyclables, educational materials to accompany the recycling bins, and support for the MSSU Sustainability Conference’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle art competition for area middle and high school students. The grant also offset equipment costs and helps remove recyclables from the university waste stream.
Phase 1 of The Recycling Enhancement and Education Project consists of purchasing equipment and focusing efforts on Billingsly Student Center, Reynolds Hall, Plaster School of Business, and Hearnes Hall due to the substantial occupancy in each building. These locations will receive standardized recycling bins with messaging regarding what can and cannot be recycled. The grant will also allow the creation of a student worker position, who will be responsible for collecting recyclables from the bins.
“It is important that MSSU is partnering with Region M and Joplin Workshops, Inc. to minimize MSSU’s waste streams and provide opportunities for students who are interested in sustainability and recycling,” said Perkins. “For those involved it is rewarding to see that something you are passionate about receive attention and funding.”
About
Founded in 1937, Missouri Southern State University has provided educational opportunities for Southwest Missouri and beyond. The university serves nearly 4,300 students in more than 140 academic programs and boasts outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs. The university’s mission is to educate and graduate knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens. For nearly 90 years, MSSU has developed exceptional state and nationally accredited programs that prepare their students for the competitive and changing 21st century society.
