Nowadays, recycling at Syracuse University doesn’t just help the environment — it helps those in need in the community.

That’s because recycled bottles and cans from the university’s academic and residential buildings now go through Mission Returns, the bottle and can redemption service for the local Rescue Mission.

The idea originated from SU Enactus, a non-profit student organization based in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management that uses entrepreneurial skills to make progress in the community, according to its website.

Spencer Herbst, president of SU Enactus, said he initially proposed the idea to Provost Eric Spina in July 2013. After a series of meetings with members of the university’s sustainability office, and directors for facilities and auxiliary services, Herbst said the idea was officially approved on Oct. 31. Bottles and cans began going to Mission Returns in December.

“The decision was made because we identified an opportunity where SU could directly support people in need by recycling without incurring any additional cost,” Herbst said.

He added that while discussing the new project with members of the university community, everyone was on board with the concept.

“There were some significant logistics that needed to be solved, but the idea that we would be able to help feed people who are hungry simply by recycling sold itself,” Herbst said.

The Rescue Mission comes to SU twice a week to pick up bottles and cans, Herbst said. He added that when he last spoke to the head of Mission Returns, they were averaging between 4,000 and 7,000 bottles and cans per week.

For every 65 bottles and cans recycled, the Rescue Mission generates enough revenue to provide a meal for someone in need, Herbst said.

“Based on Rescue Mission estimates, SU will create nearly 4,000 meals a year,” he said.

Jamie Cyr, director of Auxiliary Services at SU, said the new bottle and can redemption project does not require any major changes to the university’s internal processes.

Cyr added that Enactus approached university administration with a clear plan, which made for a smooth transition.

Herbst said the Rescue Mission has seen a rise in the homeless population, and the organization only receives 10 percent of their overall revenue from government contracts.

Through the new partnership with SU, Herbst said the Rescue Mission now has a more sustainable source of income that will directly affect their ability to feed hungry people in the area. Marilyn Fuller, annual fund director at the Rescue Mission, could not be reached for comment.

Charles Chappel, chief commercial officer for the local Rescue Mission, said in a Feb. 21 SU News article that SU Enactus has been a big help for them, including with other projects such as area thrift stores.

While the current recycling program has been a great help to the Rescue Mission, Herbst said Enactus is still looking to expand the initiative.

“We are currently in the process of establishing a partnership with the fraternities and sororities to redeem the bottles and cans in their houses,” Herbst said.

He added that Enactus has also reached out to SUNY-ESF, and plans on reaching out to the nearby hospitals and other local businesses about joining the program.

Herbst hopes the new twist on recycling will influence the SU community.

“We believe this initiative can really change the culture behind recycling on this campus,” he said. “Instead of just helping the environment, you’re directly helping those in need in our community.”

Published on February 26, 2014 at 1:16 am

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27