Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

     The Ardenwoods and Heather Glen communities have launched a renewed focus on recycling, hoping to reduce waste on campus to help divert materials from the landfill whenever possible.

     The effort began with residents noticing just how much recyclable material was ending up in the trash, sparking conversations with staff and leading to the addition of a plastics recycling program on campus. With guidance and cooperation from maintenance, the effort quickly gained momentum among many residents.

     “We just needed to recycle,” said resident Jim Whalen, who helped spearhead the effort at Heather Glen. “It made me sick to see so much going to the landfill. There’s no reason for it.”

     Now, Heather Glen has a large recycling bin in the dining area, and residents have embraced the effort — with the help of some added education on recycling do’s and don’ts. Since the effort began, Jim (along with others who are passionate about the project) have taught fellow residents to check their plastics for numbers, usually found on the bottom of products. No. 1 and No. 2 plastics are accepted locally and should be diverted to recycling bins, while most higher number plastics are not. Jim said he hopes the community can soon begin recycling paper, as well.

     The bin now fills up twice a week, with maintenance staff collecting the bags and transporting them to join Ardenwoods’ recycling up the hill. Of course, like any new habit, recycling comes with a learning curve.

     “The main impediment to recycling is that people think it’ll be hard to make the extra effort,” Jim said with a smile. “But once people get into it, they really do get used to it.”

     Capitalizing on the momentum, Ardenwoods organized an educational field trip to the Buncombe County Landfill, where residents could see firsthand how recycling and waste management work in practice. Facilitated by Buncombe County Recycling Coordinator Cassandra Lohmeyer, participants toured the facility in vehicles, followed by a Q&A session with staff.

     “We learned the importance of thoroughly sorting recyclable and waste items before they are picked up from Ardenwoods and how rubber, plastic, glass and cardboard are processed,” said resident Carol Dilley.

     “Because of this trip, I’ve definitely been inspired to recycle more,” said Carol. “And as a member of the building and grounds committee, it was important that I witnessed what the new recycling buzz at Ardenwoods is all about.”

     In April, Cassandra will be at Ardenwoods to present more details about recycling in Buncombe County and encourage residents to do their part.

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