The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center handles tens of millions of pounds of recyclables and used objects every year. Every day, employees sort through cereal boxes, compost and metals聽to identify recyclables that can be transformed into new products.
Dave Smith, the service manager at the center for the last 14 years, takes pride in working with students and the community in order to develop better environmental practices. “We process around six million pounds of material a year, with almost half of that being cardboard,”聽Smith said.聽“Just to give you an idea, we’re shipping out about two semi-truck loads every week.”
The center employs about 90 employees, including 30 student workers. The annual profit from the sale of recycled materials is close to $300,000, Smith said.