The sorting system in place at McElroy was a collaborative effort between BC Dining Services and EcoPledge to make students aware of the amount of waste they produce in a day. The system was first tested in Stewart Dining Hall on Newton Campus, and, after the success witnessed there, EcoPledge decided to continue the effort in McElroy.

Why It's Being Done

In the context of an entire day, taking a few extra minutes to scrape food off a plate, throw a bottle in a separate bin, or stack a plastic container is not a large demand. However, not doing so can be a hard habit to break for students who are used to simply piling up trays for someone else to sort. The hope is that students will realize the amount of waste produced, then take steps to reduce their consumption and increase their recycling.

In the first two weeks of the systems’ installation, EcoPledge students stood by to explain the process to students. You might have noticed a curly-haired student in an emerald coat sitting nearby making sure your plastics were properly stacked. This was Merril Putnam, the EcoPledge leader in charge of the operation. Towards the end of the second week of overseeing the new system, Putnam said she was “pleased to see that the expressions of pain that had initially plastered the majority of faces had given way to indifference, and even enthusiasm (sarcastic or not), as students seemed to follow the line, sort their trash, and continue whatever conversation they were already having.”

The ultimate goal of this new system is to instigate necessary changes. If students can adopt plates almost completely, so that plastic containers serve their primary purpose — holding food to go — the hope is that Dining Services will be more eager to invest in slightly more expensive but biodegradable containers. Additionally, if Dining Services can see that students are capable of sorting food waste, they will be more likely to invest in a composting area, as well as a service provider that recycles less-standard types of plastic.

Putnam went on to say, “BC students are 'for others' in so many aspects of their lives. Hopefully, students will recognize that, although they cannot see the direct impact of their actions, collectively, by reducing their waste and sorting their trash, they are actually making a huge difference. While this may be a small step for BC, it is an important one that I believe will increase student environmental awareness, set forth future initiatives, and overall aid in reducing the environmental footprint of BC.”

The Results

As time has gone on, the number of plastic containers used has gradually dropped. Although it may look like there is less sorting being done now than when the program was first established, there is actually more going on behind the scenes than before.

Now cereal, yogurt, and plastic containers are sorted at the Save That Stuff plant with a machine that blows the material to different areas depending on weight. Even though students and faculty are not separating food waste from trash anymore, BC Dining employees are continuing the effort behind the scenes, an improvement in the system resulting from the sorting program.

The purpose of the sorting system is to have students, faculty, and staff realize the amount of plastic they use in a day. The hope is that this will cause a shift away from plastic use toward more sustainable practices, like using china plates. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement in this area. Recycling is great, but using plates that are easily washed is even better for the environment. So, if you plan on eating in the dining hall, please ask for a ceramic plate instead of a plastic container.

Additional Information

If you are still uncertain about this new system or have any questions or suggestions, please submit them to our Suggestion Box.