The Student Union’s new Seawolf recycling bins

The Student Union has new additions to its maintenance program, two multi-use recycling bins. There are slots for aluminum/plastics, paper material and landfill.

The recycling bins have been added to the top floor of the Student Union, with one next to the Student Services Center and the other between the lending library and the Avis Alaska Sports Complex entrance.

The recycling bins were purchased from manufacturer Max-R, where organizations can buy customized recycling bins.

Student Union Assistant Director Cody Buechner played a role in acquiring the new bins.

Buechner explained that there is another recycling bin from the same brand in the Gorsuch Commons. It was acquired sometime in the past, but the bin does not have Seawolf branding.

Buechner thought that similar bins could be used in other places on campus.

“I had brought this up to a few folks around campus and it was determined that the Student Union should run the pilot program on it,” said Buechner.

Once the program was accepted, Buechner ordered two bins, which arrived mid-September. These new recycling bins are branded with UAA’s Seawolf logo.

Buechner notes that the UAA spirit should be represented throughout each building on campus.

“It leads to more pride in the school here. As soon as you’re in this building and Enrollment Services area, you should know you’re in Seawolf Nation. It shouldn't be [just] another building. The bins are just one more piece to it,” said Buechner.

Buechner explained that the decision to buy only two bins was due to shipping costs and the price of the bins. The total price tag for both bins was $9,000.

The large expense for the bins may seem shocking, but Buechner explained that the standard blue recycling bins have been in nearly every campus building for a very long time. Something new and refreshing can visually improve many areas on campus.

“They’re not cheap but they are made to last, they’re warrantied and they can be used indoors and outdoors. To me, it's another sustainable effort that increases school affinity,” said Buechner.

The bins are paid for through staff savings, which is left over money from when a UAA staff member leaves their position and the opening for the position remains vacant for some time.

Though the bins originate from the UAA budget, staff savings can help minimize the financial burden.

“We supply the funds through our budget with staff savings after we had some folks who weren't in the position all year. At least we're maximizing those dollars,” said Buechner.

Bin orientation is also important as Buechner explained that many people simply throw trash and food items into the recycling slot.

“Here in Alaska, you can recycle only plastics 1 and 2, we can't do the shrinkwrap, we can't do the packaging and we do commingle paper and cardboard. I feel folks just want to do the right thing but they're really not helping the cause. I hope that, through the extra language on these bins and how easy it is to navigate what goes in which, that it helps us recycle better,” said Buechner.