YSU to receive award for reducing waste

YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University's waste reduction program will receive a national award Oct. 16 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
The EPA will honor YSU as a WasteWise Partner of the Year for creating a waste reduction program that extends beyond school borders. The university is one of only 12 organizations to receive the honor at this event.
"Anything we can do to lessen what is mindlessly dumped into the ground is vital," said Jim Petuch, YSU recycling manager. "We have become a disposable society, so our efforts at YSU are setting an example for others to follow."
In a news release, the EPA hailed YSU's waste prevention and recycling activities.
In 2002, YSU students recycled more than 170 tons of corrugated cardboard, paper, plastic, aluminum, steel and glass.
At the end of each semester, students participate in "move-out" donation drives, collecting for reuse couches, clothes, and other items thrown out by students leaving at term's end.
The EPA noted that YSU also promotes reuse among local businesses by running a donation program.
Organizations deliver used equipment and supplies to the university, which matches the items with nonprofit organizations interested in them.
One beneficiary of this program, the Youngstown Home School Association, received tons of reusable art, crafts and theatrical supplies from the university in 2002, the EPA release said.