Initially, labeled cardboard boxes were used for corridor/stairwell and workstation recycling containers.  In some situations, torpedo type waste receptacles were labeled for recycling.  However, as these were commonly used as waste receptacles, they were associated as being containers for waste. 

In January 1990 Rubbermaid swing top containers were purchased for collecting glass and aluminum.  In May 1990 crates were purchased for collecting paper.  In order to store, contain and transport the materials, 90 gallon America-Kart carts were purchased beginning in March 1991. Although this size and style container proved to be the most practical for containing and transporting materials, it can get very heavy depending upon the items and density of the items.  In 2004 fill level lines were stenciled on containers to help control overfilling and over loading.    The 90 gallon carts are used in high volume paper generating areas (such as computer labs). 

90 gallon America-Kart cart.

The torpedo type receptacles, swing top containers and crates were not accommodating to the program.  In December 1992, the first SAFCO Public Square containers were purchased.  Two different heights-44� and 32� high-were purchased.  The 44� containers were used for cans.   However, the height proved to be too high for the average person to empty without having to lay the container on its side.  Future purchases were only 32� high.  These containers are set up in banks of four (glass/plastic, cans, paper and waste).  In order to prevent waste contamination in the recycling containers, it is necessary to have a waste container included.  This is the procedure that has been followed throughout all of the academic, administrative and food service buildings.  The Public Square containers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are fire retardant as well.  Crates continue to be used in photocopy rooms and main office complexes for paper collection. 

Interior Public Square containers.

Three and five gallon containers generated in food services operations are cleaned, labeled and used at workstations for collecting paper.       

Desk side container for paper.

Residence halls initially used crates and swing top containers, but soon changed to 32 gallon containers which were larger.  Three containers were put in the central area of each floor of the residence halls.  These containers continued to be used until the halls were equipped with chutes.  During the summer of 1994, four of the 13 residence halls (Baldwin, Neale, Hansen and Steiner) were equipped with chutes at a cost of approximately $41,000 per building.  In the summer of 1995 Burroughs and Watson halls; in 1996 Knutson and Thomson halls; in 1997 Pray/Sims; in 1998 Roach and Hyer halls; and in 1999 Smith and South halls were equipped with chutes.  

Recycling chutes on hall floors.	Chute recycling room in basements of hall floors.

In February of 1995, the first exterior recycling containers were purchased from RENEW Plastics of Luxemburg, WI.  These 35 gallon containers are manufactured with post consumer HDPE plastic lumber, including the flip top.  A bank of four containers is labeled for glass/plastic, cans, paper and waste in order to provide consistency with interior containers.  The four containers are attached to each other and anchored to concrete pads and/or walkways. The containers are fabricated so the top and bottom can be locked together.    

RENEW Plastics exterior recycling containers.

In 2004 the company discontinued manufacturing these containers.  A new style was purchased from Great Lakes Specialty Products.  This style is more user friendly as it opens from the front.  Servicing is easier as the bags do not have to be lifted as high.  The labeled containers are embossed as opposed to using decals.          

Great Lakes Specialty Exterior Container.

In November 1998 two 3/4 yard self dumping steel hoppers were purchased from Storage Systems, Waukesha, WI to store waste metals and construction debris in the Resource Recovery Center.  When full the hoppers are emptied into roll-off dumpsters located behind the Maintenance/Materiel Building. 

In May of 1999 four 1 yard self dumping hoppers were purchased from Fox Industrial Service, Appleton, WI to store commingled glass, metal cans and plastics.   

Hopper dumping.

Fold down wire containers are purchased as needed to contain corrugated cardboard and paperboard in high volume areas.

Fold down wire container for corrugated cardboard and paperboard boxes.