FAQ

This page contains answers to questions that are frequent asked about Rice Integrated Waste Management Services.  If you have a question that isn't answered here, please ask.

A:  A complete list of what Rice recycles can be found here.  If you have an unusual recycling request, contact the Recycling Coordinator at (713) 348-5272 or Richard Johnson at (713) 348-5003.

A:  Any member of the Rice community can help by simply being conscientious about resource consumption and recycling on campus.  Please view our resources area for useful tips and green guides.  If you are a student, you can become involved in the Student Recycling Council.  You can also run for the position of recycling rep in your residential college's student government.  You can even inquire about possible part-time jobs on campus related to recycling (see below).  If you are a faculty or staff member, you can help to improve recycling, reduce waste, and purchase "green" products within your department.

A:  If you are a student and would like to get a bin for your room or residential college, fill out a work request form for Housing and Dining or send them email.  If you are a faculty or staff member, call our Recycling Coordinator at (713) 348-5272.  To determine what kind of bin you need, please review our recycling bin standards.

A:  Our paper recycler uses the paper that we recycle at Rice to produce newsprint (in fact, the same newsprint that the Houston Chronicle prints on).  To do this, they need to soak the paper, remove the ink, and extract the fiber.  Phone books are very low quality paper (little fiber) covered in ink (takes much effort to remove), and thus hinder their process of transforming old paper into new.  We will, however, arrange for a special phone book recycling drive on campus in which we'll collect old phonebooks for one week when the new ones come out.  These books are recycled into insulation for houses (since it doesn't matter what color they are).  This drive will be announced through the ALLDEPTS listserv.

A:  We do hire students from time to time to assist with tasks such as composting, recycling, conducting research, preparing studies, spearheading educational initiatives, etc.  If you are interested in learning about available positions, please contact Richard Johnson at (713) 348-5003.

A:  There are many sources available to Rice students.  

• Envision Grants are intended for service-oriented projects, which can include recycling. 
• Each residential college government is a potential source of funding. 
• The Student Association's Environmental Committee can also be consulted for possible use of SA funds. 
• Depending on the project, the Facilities, Engineering, and Planning Department as well as Housing and Dining could be a source of funds.  For inquiries, contact Richard Johnson at (713) 348-5003.

Last updated: March 20, 2007