Recycling at Northern Kentucky University is limited to a few paper waste bins in computer labs and hallways. Receptacles for glass, plastic and aluminum recyclables are nowhere to be seen and students are taking notice.

“I am from North Carolina where recycling is available almost everywhere. It is strange for me to not have the opportunity to recycle like I used to,” said Cody Burns, a freshman psychology and writing major.

Student Government Association Senator Kate Brodbeck responded to this need by proposing a new recycling program for NKU during a recent SGA meeting. She said the SGA is going to look into the process of implementing a recycling program over winter break and reconvene with new ideas at the beginning of spring semester.

NKU finds itself among a growing number of universities in the area trying to do their part to help the environment. Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, is a leader in the recycling movement. MU placed first in the 2005 Recyclemania competition, which began in 2001 as a 10-week competition between MU and Ohio University to determine which school could recycle the most. Now Recyclemania includes 93 universities nationwide that participate in multiple contests throughout the year.

NKU can look even closer to home for ideas on how to start a recycling program. Bryan Westbrook, vice president of Student Interest at the University of Cincinnati, is currently working to revamp UC’s recycling program.

“Right now we have a few bins here and there and the pick-up times are chaotic,” Westbrook said.

He is working to bring the recycling program at UC up to the standards expected for a tier one university. “There are three components to consider when starting a recycling program: visibility, education and coordination,” Westbrook said.

The first step will be moving recycling bins to high traffic areas such as dormitories and student caf