Bridging the Recycling Gap: The Story of UAH’s Student Recycling Initiative

In spring 2023, Kathryne Bellingrath, a University of Alabama in Huntsville junior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, recognized a need on campus when she learned of a disconnect between existing facilities and effective recycling solutions.

After a proposal assignment in her technical writing class, Bellingrath consulted with her former economics professor and laid the groundwork for what would become the Volunteer-Based Recycling (VBR) program. Over the following year, the initiative flourished. The group expanded its reach and membership while adapting to the evolving needs of campus. During this time, Dr. Themistoklis Chronis, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, took on the role of the Faculty Advisor for the group. 

“On the Lab side, Bellingrath explains, “We have Dr. Huseynov as the [Principal Investigator] for The VBR Lab working with the Head of the Polymer Processing Initiative, two rotating morning Material Prep teams, the afternoon Materials Prep team, a Grind team, two Polymer Processing teams, and the Equipment Management Team under them.”

“We also have a rotating team of volunteers who collect from the recycling bins around campus, which is considered a gray area between the Business and Lab sides.”

Bellingrath, who is from New Hope Alabama, says she believes the biggest threat facing human survival is plastic pollution. “While we should strive to decrease our production of plastic, that can only do so much,” she says.

As she continues to explain the goals of the organization, Bellingrath says, “We must start chipping away at the accumulated plastic in our environment.” The VBR has a strategic plan to increase UAH’s Landfill Diversion Rate for Type 1 plastic to 29 percent by taking primarily disposable sources and reprocessing them into more permanent fixtures within the campus community. 

Through doing this, Bellingrath says the Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a synthetic fiber used in plastics and clothing, can be kept out of landfills. “We hope to achieve the 29% Landfill Diversion Rate and fully implement non-harmful polymer breakdown methods by 2031.”

Benjamin Williams, a junior chemistry major with a biology minor, says recycling is also about reprocessing. “Recycling is interesting to me because I like the idea of reusing materials for other purposes instead of just disposing of them.”

Jalynn Whitfield, the VBR Vice-President, who is a junior double majoring in sociology and communication with a minor in psychology, says she became interested in recycling as a way to protect the environment. “It is a small but great way to take care of the world we are living in and ensure that it continues to be here for future generations,” she says.

Whitfield, who has lived in Huntsville for the past 12 years, says sustainability is a big factor in the recycling process. “Sustainability processes are slowed down when there aren’t means to make them happen. In conversations with classmates, friends, and even professors, I’ve heard people express a desire to help create more sustainable options or participate in sustainable programs.”

The organization aims to eventually build a collective Green Fund program, similar to the ones seen at other universities. “Mississippi State is an example of a university that has had a successful Green Fund going for years, and it has allowed MSU to make great strides in creating a sustainable campus and raise awareness of their existing sustainability programs and departments,” Whitfield explains. 

Bellingrath says the VBR plans to have a “Sip and Speak with the VBR,” event where other students can learn more about the organization. “We’ll be posting more about it and all of our event, members, and equipment modifications on our Instagram @uah_vbr,” she says.

Huntsville recycling expert Moriah Fordham, says she appreciates the group for working toward a more sustainable campus. “Recycling items like paper products, aluminum cans, and glass is a powerful way to conserve natural resources by reusing materials and reducing the need for virgin resources like timber, water, and minerals. It also requires less energy to create new products, making a meaningful difference for our planet.”

“Every small choice we make—such as using a reusable water bottle, opting for digital materials, or sorting recyclables—adds up to a significant reduction in waste. By consciously choosing sustainability in our daily lives, we can build a cleaner, greener community and inspire those around us to join in. A recycling program on campus not only helps reduce waste but also cultivates a culture of sustainability, empowering students and faculty to make a positive impact on the environment and embrace their responsibility for our planet’s future—an opportunity we can all celebrate and prioritize.”