NDSU has been recognized with the “2016 Excellence in Recycling Award” by Green Lights Recycling Inc., Minneapolis. NDSU was acknowledged for its responsible recycling practices and its stewardship of resources.

“The award was given to the NDSU Safety Office because we administer the Universal Wastes program, but we are the last step in a process that begins with the maintenance and custodial staff all over campus. They get to work before most of us and consequently a lot of their exertions go unseen, but they are a critical first step in the process and their efforts make it possible for us to keep a lot of environmentally hazardous materials out of the environment,” said Bret Mayo, NDSU’s associate director of environmental health and safety. “It is their diligence and conscientious attention that make is possible for NDSU to be recognized in this way.”

Mayo; Mike Borr, NDSU director of university police and safety; Stephanie Wegner, administrative coordinator for university police and safety; Zachary Smith, hazardous materials technician, and Mark Herz, Facilities Management building coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of NDSU.

“With your effort, you have helped us reach a milestone of saving 81 million pounds of recyclable waste from being dumped into our landfills over the past 20 years,” said John Crudo, president of Green Lights Recycling Inc., Minneapolis. “Our goal now is 100 million pounds by 2020. You are a valuable partner with us in this endeavor to leave the planet a better place for the future.”

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.