More recycling rescued from campus

A recent change in NAU's recycling is keeping tons of material from ending up in the local landfill.

Due to ongoing efforts to divert as much material from the landfill as possible, the Materials Recovery Facility, owned by Norton Environmental, which handles NAU's recycling, is now accepting more plastics for recycling.

"This change affects everyone who recycles," said Robert Chavez, director of safety and environmental services. "It's a big deal, but the best part is you don't have to do anything. Throw them away as you usually do. The recovery facility will sort out the additional plastics (identified by numbers 3 through 7) that now can be captured as recyclables."

Some examples of plastics that now will be recycled include yogurt, butter and fruit containers, plastic food holders and baby-wipe holders.

According to city officials, about 12 percent of Flagstaff's total recycling comes from NAU. That number is now expected to increase with the new plastics' policy.

The university also has created its own web site to take the guess work out of recycling on campus.