The recent announcement by the University to reduce their recycling program is inappropriate and short-sighted. Their claim is that separating recyclables into different lots is the problem and that would be asking too much to place six or seven different containers at each location in each building. This claim is ridiculous! First of all, most buildings already have multiple sets of recycling containers to deposit material.

But, even if we agree to reduce the recycling somewhat, there is absolutely no justification for not continuing to collect newspapers. Given the volume of Daily Collegians, Philadelphia Inquirers, and New York Times, that are "tossed" each and every day, it is unacceptable for the University to ignore this source of recyclable material.

I have two suggestions that the University should take to make this program a model for the community. First, increase the number of bin types from two to three, for aluminum cans, newspapers, and white paper products, while at the same time reduce the number of deposit locations. There is no need to have so many deposit locations close to the office doors.

Second, strongly encourage University officers and staff to reduce the number of communications that are not on pure white paper.

Finally the University community should demand that the University move forward in the recycling effort, not backward. After all, we should be a model, not a laggard.