Right or wrong? Students abuse of recycling.

These two photos represent contrasting images of where recycling is supposed to go, the proper way to dispose of it and the improper way to dispose of it. The photos also depict the different mindsets that people have towards garbage. In a small town that is moderately environmentally friendly, it is easy to sort recyclables and to dispose of them in the proper way. In a dormitory setting however, it is not always easy and convenient for students to dispose of their garbage and recycling in the proper and most environmentally friendly way. The first photo is a great depiction of where recycling is supposed to go and the proper way to sort and dispose of recyclables. This picture of paper and cardboards was taken at my local dump over winter break. The paper and cardboards are about to go into the compressor in order to be efficiently flattened so that they can be taken to the recycling facility to finish out the process. The second photo was taken at the back entrance of my dorm, Sherrill Hall. This image was very disturbing to me because every piece of ‘garbage’ in the trashcan is 100% recyclable. This concerns me because it shows how lazy students can actually be. There is a large recycling bin right inside the door that would easily have fit all of the recyclables. However, students didn’t even bother to think about that and just tossed their food and beverage wastes into the nearest bin, regardless of whether it is the right one. As with my post last week, I find it interesting to do comparisons of correct vs. incorrect disposal of recyclables and trash. The image from the trashcan outside Sherrill however, shows that students are just looking for the easiest way to get rid of their ‘garbage’, even when all of it is able to be recycled…