Our interns are the unsung heroes of Clemson’s recycling effort.
The Recycling Program at Clemson University provides opportunities to volunteers to learn more about recycling and waste reduction. It partners with Clemson programs and local high schools to engage students through active learning, inspiring them to advocate for recycling and waste reduction in their own communities.
Recycling Services has a number of work-study positions that allow Clemson students to contribute to the program through the collection and sorting of recyclable materials. Students also participate in our Gameday Recycling program, an all-hands-on-deck activity where Recycling staff promote and collect recycling during home football games. As a result of their efforts, tailgates tend to recycle more and post-game cleanup is much easier to manage.
The recycling program at Kite Hill provides valuable work experience to students such as Ty Parris.
Recycling Services also offers employment to students from ClemsonLIFE, a collegiate program for students with intellectual disabilities, and to students from the special needs program at Pendleton High School. This opportunity allows students to gain real life work experience that not only prepares them for their futures but also teaches them about the ins and outs of the recycling process.
Pendleton High School teacher Lani Anderson oversees her students as they sort through collected recycling.
Creative Inquiry (CI) courses are a huge part of the Recycling Program. CI classes have extremely specific topics and are usually centered around the completion of a semester long project. The two offered through the Recycling Program are focused on biodiesel production and food waste recovery. Both courses are valuable educational opportunities that are available to any student with an interest.
Students from the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society (HFES) have been able to work with the Recycling Program on many projects. These include studies on bin signage, surveys on customer satisfaction, and evaluations on ergonomic studies.
HFES has aided our program many times, including with Gameday Recycling and recycling bin signage.
Clemson’s Recycling Program is dedicated to offering educational opportunities for students. If you would like to learn more about Clemson Recycling and how you can get involved, e-mail recycle@clemson.edu or check out our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/curecycling/.
