See the Top Ten Reasons to Recycle and why you should buy recycled products (if you don't already):

The Natural Resource Defense Council Website on Recycling

Recycling in Maryland is mandated for all State entities by a Governor's Executive Order which requires State agencies (such as the University of Maryland) to recycle at least 20% of their waste stream.

The University of Maryland recycles because it is good for the environment and because it makes good business sense!

By separating our recyclables from our non-recyclable solid waste, we are saving the State of Maryland and the University money by not having to pay to dump recyclables into the landfill.  Plus, the University of Maryland earns revenue on some of the recyclables that we are able to sell to local businesses.

In 2007, the University diverted a total of 55% of its waste stream from the landfill by recycling and reuse efforts, up from 46% in 2006.

And the Univeristy of Maryland's official recycling rate (based on specified Maryland Recycling Act commodities) was 41% in 2007, up from 35% in 2006, 23% in 2005 and 17% in 2004.