Kansas State University

by Kevin Schindlbeck, Director of Custodial, Landscape, & Recycling

Recycling at K-State was formally initiated in 1989. Recyclable materials were collected at 22 buildings on campus. At the time, the University collected newspaper, aluminum cans, computer paper and white bond paper using one pick-up truck to move the materials to a local recycling vendor.

In 1998, the KSU Recycling Advisory Committee was established. The University was loaned a baler from a local vendor and began to bale recyclable materials. This allowed for better space utilization and a more marketable end product.

By the year 2000, Students for Environmental Action proposed Game Day Recycling, which was started that same year. K-State purchased its first baler and extended recyclable materials to include plastics. The baler was replaced in 2011.

The recycling program added desk-side recycling and purchased a forklift in the 2001-2002 academic year. A side-load recycling truck was purchased in 2004.

On June 11, 2008, a tornado damaged numerous buildings at the University including the Wind Erosion Lab, which was owned by the USDA. It was given to KSU later that year. Using a grant, KSU was able to make the needed repairs to the Wind Erosion Lab, converting it to the Recycling Center on campus.

In 2009, K-State participated for the first time in RecycleMania. Over an 8-week period each spring, colleges across the United States and Canada report the amount of recycling and trash collected each week. The results are then ranked in various categories. K-State has been named the Big 12 RecycleMania Champion in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

HAPPY RETIREMENT TO ARAMINTA WASHINGTON!

After working as a Custodial Specialist, Araminta was promoted to Custodial Crew Leader in October of 2007. In May of 2014, she was promoted to the position of Custodial Supervisor Senior at Vet Med until her retirement July 29^th. We want to thank Araminta for her many years of service to K-State and wish her all the best!

Facilities is happy to welcome back our Associate V.P., Ryan Swanson, who has been recovering from a head-on collision with a vehicle while riding his bike on the morning of Monday, July 24^th. Ryan was transported by EMS to Via Christi and then onto Stormont Vail in Topeka for surgery.

Several K-State employees within Facilities and across campus sent notes of encouragement and appreciation for all Ryan does for Facilities and K-State as a whole. We are glad to have him back!

Ryan Swanson poses with his “Appreciation Tree” covered in notes of appreciation and encouragement from several members of the K-State family.

…to Sandra Bolin, Custodial Specialist!

…to the Seaton Hall Custodial Crew!

Roger Schneider is On The Move!

Roger was promoted to Custodial Supervisor on July 3^rd. He is working for Quentin Rawlins. Congratulations Roger!

Martron Winstead was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He will be working for Beverly Price.

Mahogony Knox was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She will be working for Stephanie Brecheisen.

Marcus Gallon was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He will be working for Roger Schneider.

Daundra Brown was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She will be working for Roger Schneider.

Jim Tebbutt was hired as an Equipment Operator Senior for Refuse and Recycling. He will be working for Bill Spiegel.