1990-91 Began recycling office paper, batteries, and mixed office paper.

1991-92 Began recycling metal, glass and plastic (HDPE #2) in selected residence halls and curb-side pick-up and recycling program for Family Housing. Also instituted the sharps program to collect used hypodermic needles and an annual phone book collection program.

1992-93 Began recycling mixed office paper, metal, glass, and plastic in the residence halls.

1993-94 Awarded "Recycler of the Year for Special Events Recycling" by the Michigan Recycling Coalition.

1995-96 City of Ann Arbor Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) became operational. The MRF made it possible for the University to send all of its waste to a single source for processing, making the handling process much cheaper. The MRF also allowed Housing to consolidate the former five separate types of recyclable materials into two, making it much simpler to recycle in the halls.

1997-98 Initiated program for food waste collection and composting in the residence halls.

2000-01 Began recycling polystyrene foam in residence halls and expanded the food-waste composting program.

2001-02 Began recycling nearly 25% (by volume) of Housing's solid waste.

2005-06 The inaugural LeeDer Pledge Campaign saw 142 students pledge to practice more environmentally-friendly behavior.

2006-07 Began classifying e-trash as hazardous material. Collected 2,200 pounds.

Statistics from the most recent academic year (2006-07):

• Trash/recycling totals indicate that the residence halls recycled 15,151 c/yds of material, 52% of total waste. NCA recycled 5,883 cubic yards of material, representing approximately 47% of total waste.
• Move-In 2007 Recycling totals increased from 2006. 1908 cubic yards of cardboard (up 37% from 2006), 530 bags polyfoam block (down from 652 last year), and 74 bags foam peanuts (up from 54 last year).
• Move-Out 2007 Recycling program yielded 13.1 tons. Breakdown includes 721 bags of clothing, 512 bags of household goods, 278 bags of food and toiletries, 379 bags of bedding, 155 bags of shoes. Donations went to Food Gatherers, Purple Heart, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. Move-Out donations were received from both the residence halls and NCA.
• UM participated for the second year in the nationwide RecycleMania competition. The campaign pitted UM against other colleges, measuring recyclables collected over a 10 week period (January through April). UM placed 8th overall among 75+ colleges; South Quad rated 4th of UM buildings for the percentage of waste recycled with 54.5% of waste!