A new initiative that will place recycle bins throughout the campus and make money for the ASCC was discussed by the senate during its meeting on March 14.
Starting a Recycling Center on campus is also part of the initiative.
Commissioner of Vocational Education Lance Makinano is a supporter of the initiative started by Earth science instructor Crystal Lo Vetere.
“It [the Recycling Program] has failed for the past seven years and we’re really pushing it this year because of the budget cuts, so we can’t really count on revenue that we once got from either the state or the federal government, ” Makinano said.
Other colleges like, Orange Coast College and Long Beach City College have recycling programs that supplement revenue for the ASCC revenue.
“ASCC has been looking for ways to supplement revenue, and find ways to keep a generating income into ASCC funds,” Makinano said.
According to Makinano, the projected cost to build the Recycling Program is about $105,000.
Some of the cost will go to campus wide recycle bins, tilt truck carts, beautification supplies, and an expert consultant.
“Over the long run, you can project how much [revenue] it’s going to make.
“But you can’t really project how much it’s really going to make, but it will make money provided that you already paid for the initiative investment,” he said.
According to Lo Vetere, the program will not only make money for the ASCC but it will create jobs for students.
Students will work for the Community Recycle Center that is part of initiative.
Accounting major Albert Rea likes the idea for the campus.
“I think it’s a good idea because I see so many empty bottles and plastics around the school and I think if the school is going to make money then it’s definitely a good idea,” he said.
Rea explained a different reason of why it’s a good cause for the campus.
“It’s better than having random people coming here and taking the profit of what students throw away,” he said.
English tutor Ronald Farol agreed with Rea about the bottles and waste thrown around the campus.
“It’s doing something productive, I see a lot of bottles in the trash cans and I think it’s a waste of money,” he said.
The initiative will be discussed again and possibly voted on by the senate during its next meeting on Wednesday.