Pest Control Success Stories Frank Fulmer, operations manager for hospitality services, recently asked Rentokil, the company responsible for pest control at the University, to talk to vendors about inspection and pest control. While this may not be an area that comes to mind when thinking about waste reduction, Frank's effort could have a large impact on campus. Targeting potential sources of pests will result in a reduction in the amount of pesticides, time and money necessary to correct the problem at a later date. When the Chemistry Department underwent a major office renovation, Associate Professor of Art and Robotics Simon Penny arranged to have a temporary depot set up in which materials such as plywood and steel were left for art students. This process provided free materials to the students while eliminating the materials from the solid waste stream.
Penny estimates that students found and used several tons of useful items.
Professor Penny also recently established a process that removes materials from the University's solid waste stream on a steady basis while providing useful materials to students. He posted a sign near the Doherty Hall loading dock asking people to place electronic and machine parts in the hallway leading to the dumpster instead of placing them in the dumpster. Penny and students from the Robotic Art Studio and Gizmology classes use materials they can and put the unused parts in the dumpster. Jean Veltri, assistant director of the Children's School, reports that the school cooperates with other departments to reduce waste and save money by accepting items that groups on campus can no longer use. For example, the University Shoppe donates art and stationery supplies that did not sell or are irregular.