How Augustana fulfills its sustainability commitment

From daily recycling to advanced mechanical reclamation, every department plays a vital role in Augustana's green mission.

Daily waste and recycling management

Pickups and sorting: Campus partners at Eagle Enterprises Recycling Inc. handle campus-wide pickups. To keep the process efficient, please remember:

• Clear bags: For all recyclable materials.
• Black bags: For general landfill trash
• Staff should place items out for daily pickup as scheduled.

Confidential shredding: Use the large gray lockable bins for documents containing sensitive information. These are serviced by Shred-It and primarily support Bahls Center and the Sorensen Business Office.

Specialized reclamation

Steel salvage: The Facilities staff dismantles discarded desks, stools and tables. Steel is stored at the Grounds garage (7th Ave. and 39th St.). Revenue from the steel scrap directly funds the purchase of small hand tools like shovels, rakes, and drill bits.

E-waste: Don’t toss old tech. Bring computers, monitors, keyboards, and even vacuums to the Sorensen basement (east stairwell). Items are donated to local vendors for repair or ethical
recycling.

Oil and fluids: The grounds crew processes roughly 600 gallons of used oil annually from the motor pool, housed in the 39th Street barn for reclamation.

Land and energy innovation

Campus “pit” and Augie Acres: Woody debris is chipped at a college site on 5th Ave. and 31st St. This mulch is reused across campus, specifically supporting the soil health at Augie Acres.

Mechanical efficiency: The college prioritizes refrigerant reclamation for everything from dorm fridges to industrial chillers. Coupled with the LED replacement program and smart Direct Digital Control monitoring, Augustana is significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Solar power: Panels on Lindberg, Carver, Centennial, Westerlin, and PepsiCo provide roughly 11% in electrical savings, and ongoing system overhauls ensure a maximum future yield.

Sustainable mowing: “No Mow” zones and the use of autonomous battery-operated mowers on large fields reduce fossil fuel emissions and staffing costs.

How to make an impact

Request a bin: If a department or office suite needs more recycling or compost bins, contact the Facilities Department.

Start composting: Join more than a dozen TLA groups already composting. Small kitchen bins are available for request to help divert food waste to Augie Acres.

Report issues: Notice a recycling bin that isn’t being serviced, or an area where lighting could be more efficient? Use the Online Work Order Portal to notify Facilities.

Volunteer: Join the Augie Acres team for a “Dig Day”  to see campus compost and mulch in action.