The cans stand in pairs outside every building at Moorpark College, one for garbage, and one for “go green” recycling. These garbage sentinels receive our daily waste. Their content’s disposal costs the colleges approximately $100,000,00 annually.
Ventura County Community Colleges’ trash is part of the 60 percent of Ventura County’s daily trash, which ends up at Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center.
Their website, keepingventuraclean.com, claims “In a lifetime the average American will throw away 600 times the amount of his or her adult weight in garbage.” This staggering amount doesn’t speak well for our society.
“REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE,” this motto has been around since Earth day started in 1970 and provides the best solution for our growing waste production. The responsibility lies with each and every one of us. Population growth and dwindling resources make trash reduction imperative. Reusing containers is a commendable solution. Recycling is a partial answer to overflowing landfills. Progress has been made in the last four decades.
The enactment of AB 75 by the California legislature in 1995 made it mandatory for public agencies like our community colleges to reduce and divert the amount of waste. A report needs to be filed each year to ensure compliance.
Recycling is part of this trash reduction plan. It is necessary that all of us use the recycling bins appropriately. Waste Management can refuse entire recycling bins if contaminated with non-recyclable waste. These comingled containers will end up in the Simi Valley Landfill, defeating their purpose.
“If students and staff would ensure that non-recyclable trash was not placed in recyclable receptacles, we will be more successful in diverting recyclable material from the waste stream,” said Vice President of Business Services Iris Ingram at Moorpark College.
However, recycling doesn’t add to the coffers of our colleges, it only reduces the fees charged for hauled away trash. It would be to anyone’s advantage to turn recyclable items into the local recycle yard for much needed cash, and for the college it would reduce their yearly expenses for trash disposal.
Reusable containers are another great way to decrease waste. Elizabeth Hall, a 25-year-old Moorpark College student, said that she is determined to have her lunch in a reusable container.
“I’m environmentally conscious,” said Hall. “In addition I find my containers more convenient, and like that their use creates less trash.” This attitude helps the college, helps nature and helps her purse all at the same time.
