Ball State's sustainability efforts and the City of Muncie's Blue Bag Recycling Program have made recycling a step easier for students and residents, but some people still overlook details when disposing of materials that could make the recycling efforts futile.
Jason King, manager at East Central Recycling, said some chemicals that are not properly disposed of could contaminate the water stream or could be flammable or explosive. The company sometimes receives material that could be hazardous and disposes of it correctly.
"We don't charge anyone as long as they're from the county," he said. "So that we don't see anything hazardous out by the river."
At Ball State, several offices have come up with initiatives to make recycling an easy, yet educational, process. Dining services has started a program asking customers to separate recyclables. Residence halls offer blue bags for students who live in the residence halls.
The Student Government Association has also contributed in the university's efforts.
In 2005, SGA passed legislation to aid the already existing recycling program on campus. Recycling bins were placed throughout campus, including out on the streets, where there previously were no bins.
SGA is also working with the Ball State Community and Environmental Affairs Committee to distribute blue bags to students off campus.
Ethan Fields, chairman of the Community and Environmental Affairs Committee, said the committee partners with Muncie Sanitary District to pick up blue bags once a month and distribute them to Ball State students who live in neighborhoods close to campus.
However, SGA president Kayla Pickersgill said she would like to see more work in educating the community about what to recycle.
"There is a lack of knowledge as to what does and what doesn't go in there," she said.
On campus, students can throw paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, computer cartridges and numbers one through seven plastics in the recycling bins. Students are encouraged to rinse away any residue from bottles and cans, but it is not mandatory to do so.
Students living on campus can ask for blue bags for the residence halls, in which they can throw the same materials. Those living off campus can request coupons for blue bags by calling Muncie Sanitary District. Coupons can be taken to different stores and offices in the city.
Other materials may require more attention or a visit to East Center Recycling, which takes only a 10-minute drive from campus.
Leaving medications, oil or certain cleaning products in their containers could be hazardous to sanitation workers or pets and children if left in the house, according to the Muncie Sanitary District. Batteries and light bulbs are some household items that contain hazardous compounds such as mercury and lead, which pose a danger to the environment.
Some procedures for recycling materials that can become a hazard for the environment:
Household cleaning product:
It is necessary to know what kind of chemicals the product contains. It is recommended to take bottles with cleaning product residue to East Central Recycling.
Electronic devices:
Televisions, radios and computers can be taken to East Central Recycling, but hand held devices, such as cell phones and MP3 players can be deposited in designated containers on campus and in the city. Some locations in the Muncie include city hall and the county building. Batteries can also be dropped at these locations.
Antifreeze, oil and car batteries:
These can be dropped at some auto parts in Muncie. However, East Central Recycling also accepts these materials.
Medications:
They can be taken to certain stores or locations. The State of Indiana website lists a number of programs that help collect expired and unwanted medicine.
Sharp items:
Items like syringes should be dropped in to a thick plastic bottle. The bottle should be sealed and labeled "needles." They can be taken to the Muncie Sanitation Department.
Go online:
The Muncie Sanitary District website contains additional information on how to properly dispose of different materials. Go to munciesanitary.org
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