Recycled materials make up 30 percent of all the material collected by U of M Waste Management Services. The department also coordinates all waste reduction and recycling education and promotion efforts on campus. 1970's-1980's Small scale, volunteer recycling efforts. 1988 Students and staff from U of M's Housing Division and Grounds and Waste Management plan a recycling program for campus. University hires first Recycling Coordinator.
Recycling is implemented in the U of M Housing Division.
Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, and white office paper are collected on separate routes. The campus-wide collection is implemented, due to a grant from the State of Michigan. Mixed office paper, as well as white paper, is now recyclable, but the two types must be separated. The collection of pallets and scrap wood for recycling begins. U-M wins Michigan Recycling Coalition Award for recycling program.