Solid Waste Management

• Use of Comprenew, a universal waste handler that inspires local communities to live and work in a sustainable manner. Licensed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Comprenew has kept 2 million pounds of electronics out of landfills.

• Traditional recycling through NorthWest Refuse. In 2007, hallway trash cans and recycling bins were removed and placed in a central location for each building. Recycling has increased as a result. The College’s recycling program is in conjunction with the city’s, making recycling possible for both the city and the College.

• Pay-as-you-throw program. The less you throw, the less you pay. The College does its own trash pickup around campus, 6-1 compactor.

• Reuse of materials from demolished buildings. Sandstone retrieved during the Epworth Hall demolition was used to make bases for three Albion College signs around campus. Epworth’s clay roof tiles were also recycled. During the demolition process for the Gerstacker International House, all usable building materials and furnishings have been salvaged for use elsewhere on campus. Community groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, have also been active in salvaging usable materials. Plantings on the site will be saved to the extent possible, transplanted where appropriate, and have been offered to the College community. Plans have been approved for redevelopment of the site into a green space including a garden area featuring the courtyard sculpture and other saved landscape materials.