EUGENE, OR ñ Lane Community College has been recognized as the best recycler among Oregon organizations by the Association of Oregon Recyclers. "This is a great accomplishment for Lane Recycling and the college," said Recycling and Surplus Property Coordinator Mike Sims.

AOR President Alex Cuyler, recycling analyst for the City of Eugene, presented the Recycler of the Year Award for an Organization to Lane at the July 13 Board of Education meeting. Cuyler commended Lane for ìextreme commitment to waste reduction and changing the institutional atmosphereî with strong support from staff and the board. Board Chair Roger Hall said, ìOf all the awards Lane has received, this is one of the best.î

Students began recycling paper at Lane in 1978. Records show that 5 tons of paper were recycled in 1988. Today, 52 percent of all college waste is recycled or reused, accounting for more than 343 tons of batteries, food waste, sawdust, paper, metal, glass, motor oil, and other materials. A staff-student committee drives the effort, and the college has three full-time staff devoted to recycling and sustainability.

The AOR award is the second regional recognition earned by Lane for sustainability. In March 2005, the college was commended by the Education for Sustainability Western Network ( www.efswest.org ).

For more information see Lane's recycling website at 2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/recycle/links.htm