Hamilton College has been awarded the 2004 Recycling Champion's Award by the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority. Terry Hawkridge, assistant director, grounds, horticulture and arboretum, accepted the award on behalf of the College on Monday, Nov. 15, at the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority board of directors' meeting in Utica.
The award notification indicated "Hamilton College has developed a comprehensive solid waste management program for the students, faculty and buildings at the campus. The College has been committed to recycling and is always seeking changes to improve the program. This has led to an increase in recycling, decrease in solid waste stream toxicity and a significant reduction in the volume of waste that must be disposed.
"Hamilton College has truly done an excellent job in recycling, waste reduction and solid waste management and is well deserving of this award."
The College's 2004 recycling level overall has increased 4 percent since 2003, 4.6 percent not including construction and demolition. In addition, a 25.4 percent increase in recycling in academic buildings and residence halls has resulted in 61 percent of the waste stream being recycled. Hawkridge said, "The students from Hamilton Environmental Action Group (HEAG) have been pivotal in the turnaround, drawing attention to the volume of college waste."
HEAG is the student-run organization that promotes environmental awareness and action to the College community.
