Marcus Rountree

N.C. Central University is breaking the rules, according to a Durham ordinance on the disposal of recyclables.

NCCU currently only recycles cardboard. But aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles and jars, and news paper are also supposed to be recycled.

Marcus Rountree, environmental science junior, discovered the problem last year when he noticed a big box of used paper in the library.

“I asked the librarian if they were going to recycle the paper, she said they weren’t recycling because of the budget,” said Rountree.

With some direction from his adviser, Rountree did some investigating and found the university was in violation of a 1997 Durham city ordinance that makes it unlawful for residents, businesses and industries to throw away specific recyclable items.

According to the ordinance, businesses can be penalized $50 per violation, and waste loads contaminated with recyclables can be charged double.

“We are remodeling and expanding the campus. This is producing more waste and we are technically breaking the law. This is an issue that needs to be dealt with,” said Rountree.

Rountree said that recycling is a major issue and students should be concerned about the issue.

Rountree hopes to link a recycling program to community service.

“We can start a recycling program in which students can earn community service hours for participating,” said Rountree.

Some students say the University should put more effort into a recycling program.

“I think it’s a shame that our University doesn’t care to recycle as they should,” said Stephanie Kenney, criminal justice sophomore.

Several students wanted to know why the city of Durham has not noticed NCCU’s violation.

“The city of Durham doesn’t seem like they care if we’re recycling, so why should we,” said Quintosha Cox, criminal justice sophomore.

According to Josephine Valencia, Durham commercial waste reduction specialist, NCCU’s violation would have to be reported in order for the city to be aware.

“We don’t have enough people to investigate the entire city,” said Valencia.

“We believe people will comply once they see the benefits of recycling, we try to educate and help on a voluntary basis.”

According to Rountree, staff have tried before to get a recycling program operating.