Reduction and Recycling

Pass on Plastics 

• Started in 2019.
• In 2015 Black Hawk County’s Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) was 166,314 tons.
• Allen College generates approximately 56 tons of waste a year.
• Of this it is estimated that 14,400 pounds is plastic waste.
• The Pass on Plastics program resulted in a 55% reduction of plastics waste.
• 55% Reduction of plastics waste.
• 33% Increase in plastics recycling.

Pass on Plastics II

• Focused on the continuation of reducing overall plastic consumption and increasing plastic recycling rates.
• Our goal is to:
• Reduce plastic waste an additional 15% or 2,160 pounds.
• Increase plastics recycling rates an additional 10% for an increase of 1,600 pounds.
• To help accomplish this Allen College will:
• Add (2) single-stream recycling units to McElroy Hall.
• Add recycling bins to the outdoor patios in McElroy Hall and Barrett Forum.
• Replace the outdoor metal benches and tables with recycled picnic tables and benches.

How can you help:

• Cut down on your waste!
• Bring a refillable water bottle to campus for use. Water bottle filling stations are located in:
• McElroy Hall
• Barrett Forum
• Gerard Hall – 1st and 2nd floor
• Allen Hospital DPT 5th floor lab
• The breaks rooms have reusable dishes, cups and cutlery for usage.
• Separate your garbage
• Bins are located across campus for cans and bottles that can be redeemed.
• Single stream recycling stations are in Winter Hall and Barrett Forum and being added to McElroy Hall.
• Separate items that can be recycled by:
• Plastic Bags & Sacks
• Styrofoam
• Cardboard, paper, tin and aluminum
• Get Involved!
• Become a member of the Allen College Student Ambassador Green Committee.
• Organize a campus wide donation drive for charitable organizations.
• On America Recycles Day, November 15, plan on bringing any unwanted items to your local recycling center.
• Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by helping with a community or campus clean up event.