History

The recycling program at UNC Charlotte began in 1990 as a result of a student-led effort to recycle aluminum cans. Witherspoon Hall then became the first residence hall to participate in recycling efforts on campus. In 1992, the first recycling coordinator was hired, and in 1993, North Carolina Governor Hunt signed an executive order encouraging state agencies to reduce waste by recycling.

Recycling services at UNC Charlotte now include all indoor and outdoor spaces on campus and a team of full-time staff members dedicated to achieving the university’s recycling goals. The recycling team is housed under Facilities Management’s Environmental Campus & Operations (ECO) unit and works closely with campus partners to ensure state, county, UNC system, and campus-specific standards are met and maintained.