Annual revenues from recyclables fluctuate with market prices. The university contracts for recycling based on service charges for collection and market prices for materials.
Recycling is one method of reducing our solid waste going to landfill.
But it also encourages the markets for manufacturing to reuse materials in the manufacture of products. By using recycling materials, the manufacturing process uses less raw materials, less water, and less energy. The complete cycle or mobius loop, of recycling includes the purchase of the products made from recycled materials. Purchase of less packaging, biodegradable materials, and reusable and longer-lasting or durable products saves both the need for more product and saves the university money. UW's waste weights were lost during these changes.