If you still have doubts about the value of recycling cafeteria waste, here's food for thought:

• Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin timber.
• For each ton of paper you recycle, you save: 17 trees; 64 gallons of oil; 42 gallons of gasoline; 4,210 kilowatt-hours; 7,000 gallons of water; and 3.5 cubic yards of landfill space.
• Recycling a glass jar saves enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.
• Recycling one tin can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.

In essence, recycling is the separation, collection and processing of products and materials, and the manufacture of these materials into new products. A college or university campus is a wonderful place to start a recycling program-particularly in the cafeteria, where a large amount of waste is generated. By initiating a recycling program, not only can your cafeteria drastically reduce waste with minimal effort, it can also:

• Cut your school's garbage hauling costs.
• Generate additional revenues for your school.
• Provide opportunities for community partnerships.
• Reduce campus litter and the amount of space taken up by garbage cans.

Proceed through this section of the EVC to learn more about recycling in a cafeteria setting. In addition, for a useful link on non-hazardous waste recycling, click here:

www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/reduce.htm#recycle