Recycling
We are students, faculty, staff and community members working toward a more sustainable campus in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Learn more about Maricopa's Global Sustainability Initiative.
What is Recyclable?
The following list of acceptable materials are recyclable at both campuses:
- Aluminum, such as cans, foil, and food trays.
- Cardboard, empty of all packing materials and broken down.
- Cartons, such as half-gallon milk or juice cartons.
- Chipboard, like cereal, cracker, and cake mix boxes (without inserts).
- Mixed Paper, such as magazines, junk mail, catalogs, brown paper bags, telephone directories, and newspapers.
- Plastic Containers #1 & #2 only, such as water bottles, soda bottles, & milk jugs. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or bubble wrap.
- Steel/Tin, like soup or vegetable cans.
Green Means Clean! The following items should not be placed in the recycle bins: glass, paper towels, tissues, napkins, food waste, liquids, chewing gum, chip or cookie bags, plastic bags, clear plastic wrap, bubble wrap, styrofoam, plastic food utensils, wax-coated coffee cups, electronics, light bulbs, batteries, toner cartridges, and cell phones. Garbage placed in our recycle bins contaminates the entire bin!
Green Efforts
The Green Efforts committee holds monthly meetings to discuss sustainability, recycling, and awareness of environmental issues at Glendale Community College. The committee welcomes anyone interested in green efforts, including GCC administration, faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.
In February 2010, Chancellor Glasper signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) to pledge all of Maricopa to become carbon neutral. GCC's Greenhouse Gas Inventory is now complete. Please join us this year as we develop our Climate Action Plan.
To become carbon neutral by 2025, GCC must reduce from the two largest sources:
- Commuting to and from campus - 51% (students, faculty & staff)
- Electrical power purchased to run campus - 37%
Over the past 4 years, Green Efforts members have worked to provide recycling services in all classrooms, common areas, hallways, and employee work areas. GCC has received two grant awards that provided 150 recycle bins for our campuses. In Spring 2013, recycle bins were added to every employee office space in preparation for campus conversion to Zero Waste. It's now time to focus on what goes in the blue bins. The Green Gaucho Guide: Commingled Recycling contains a list of items that are recyclable on campus and items that are not. Know your recyclables and help reduce contamination in our recycle bins.
The Zero Waste Program is an initiative to reduce waste, maximize recycling, and reduce consumption. On America Recycles Day (November 15th), President Kovala reiterated her support for the Zero Waste initiative and announced campus-wide implementation by August 2014. All office spaces have been converted to Zero Waste (7-gallon recycle bin + 1-gallon waste bin).
Get Involved!
Are you interested in discussing sustainability, recycling, and awareness of environmental issues at GCC? Green Efforts is open to students, employees, and members of the community. For updated information on meetings, activities, and events, join Green Efforts on Canvas (MEID required). The Canvas site contains project information, meeting minutes, links to resources, and more.