On Friday, October 20, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will present Eastern Illinois University (EIU) with a College/University Partner of the Year award.
Since becoming a WasteWise member in 1997, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) has successfully implemented its comprehensive waste reduction program. In 2005, with the voluntary efforts of more than 13,500 students, faculty, and staff, EIU diverted nearly 50 percent of its waste through recycling efforts, boosting its waste reduction and recycling cost savings to $140,000. EIU supports the university community through the reuse of furniture and office supplies. It also has a creative reuse program with its township—the school donated 615 tons of boiler ash to road supervisors in 2005 to provide better traction on snow- and ice-covered roads.
EPA is proud to honor EIU for these extraordinary achievements at the 2006 WasteWise and NPEP Annual Conference: Partnering for Success in Sustainability. EIU is one of only 10 organizations to receive a Partner of the Year award at this event.
WasteWise is a free and voluntary partnership program launched by EPA in 1994. The program provides guidance and recognition to nearly 1,900 participating organizations that are working to find practical methods to reduce municipal solid waste and improve financial performance. EPA is pleased to recognize Eastern Illinois University and other members that have made the program a success through their sustained commitment to waste reduction.
For more information about EPA’s WasteWise program and details about the 2006 WasteWise and NPEP Annual Conference, please visit the WasteWise Web site at www.epa.gov/wastewise or contact the WasteWise Helpline at (800) EPA-WISE (372-9473).

For more information contact Allan Rathe (Recycling Coordinator) by email or phone (217- 581-7022).