Residence Services Living Green

Recycling in the residence halls - find out what to recycle and where.

Housing was one of the first areas to fund collection containers (through ARH) for aluminum can recycling in the residence halls. Plastic, glass and newspapers are also collected in the halls. For Fall 2008, the Association of Residence Halls (ARH) is funding recycling containers to be located in each student room.

Dining Services uses Polystyrene, often confused with Styrofoam, disposable cups in their snack bars, extended dinner, and the To Go Cafe. Because of the manufacturing process, less than 5% by weight of a polystyrene container is actually solid material. The remaining 95% is air, making polystyrene landfill friendly. Because degradation of waste products can cause dangerous gases and byproducts contaminating the air and ground water, most landfills are designed to minimize waste contact with air and water, the two main components necessary for degradation of waste products.

The Association of Residence Halls (ARH) and Dining Services provide a reusable, plastic water bottle which can be refilled at the Dining Centers. Residents are encouraged to bring their water bottle with them to the Dining Centers, fill them, and take a beverage when they leave.

Dining Services recycles all tin cans and cardboard boxes. Daily menus are available online.

University Place, apartment-style student housing built in 2007, was designed with earth-friendly, LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles. UND took steps to recycle bricks, demolished material and old street material from the West Green I site. At the construction site an erosion control plan was used to reduce any negative impact on the water and air quality and over 50% of existing trees were preserved. The ceiling tiles, steel columns and carpet all include recycled content. Large windows throughout the building make use of natural light, and temperature controls and fluorescent bulbs used for lighting in the units promote energy efficiency. Storm water filtration ponds were designed to use natural means to retain runoff and filter contaminants utilizing a soil and plant system. This system is the first and only "rain garden" in a public or commercial space in the Greater Grand Forks area.

Residence Services strives to provide more on-line services through their websites, therefore reducing the amount of paper used to send or provide written information. Digital display boards are centrally located near resident's mailboxes and in the dining center for posting of events and annoucements.

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