MSU Surplus Store & Recycling Center - The newly constructed facility is roughly 73,000 square feet and is home to recycle administration, the surplus store, an education center and the recycling material recover facility (MRF), as well as storage.

Photovoltaic Panels - With a total of 192 panels, the total system rating is estimated at 37,257 kilowatt-hour a year of energy, providing up to 5% of the building’s electrical needs. There are also photovoltaic panels in a few of the parking lots lights.

Rainwater Harvesting System - The harvesting system uses rooftop rainwater to replace drinkable water that would have been required to flush toilets, urinals, and the recycling processing are pressure washer. It is estimated the system will supply 73,000 gallons (or 60%) of water annually .

Porous Asphalt - As a way to help manage storm runoff, the northeast parking lot was paved with porous asphalt. Unlike standard asphalt, porous asphalt it open to water, so not as much water drains into streams, rivers, or storm sewers.

Ceiling Fans - The enormous fans move air at a low speed, which means less energy used. The 8- to 12-feet fans move air at low speed using less energy. In summer, the fans will produce a breeze causing the air to feel 8- to 16-degrees cooler; in winter, the fans will gently drive hot air trapped at the ceiling down to the floor, resulting in reduced heating expense.

Rain Gardens - Rain flows into four strategically placed rain gardens naturally filtering into the soil instead of rivers and storm drains, reducing pollution. The native plants have deep roots that can handle droughts and floods and needs no irrigation system.

Construction Waste - During construction, contractors diverted more than 80% of its construction waste and debris from being sent to the landfill by collecting and recycling waste generated throughout the building process.

Recycled Surfaces - MSU Alumni, Tim Whaley, Founder & CEO of EnviroGLAS, generously donated the conference room table top. The surface is constructed with 100 % recycled glass; the “S” with recycled porcelain and recycled aluminum.

The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) - The MRF has three areas where recyclable materials is dumped. Two conveyors direct material either up to the sorting line to be organized, or straight to the baler. The wire baler has two RAMs, with 3,500 pounds of pressure, and creates 1,300-2,000 pound bales.

Sort Line - Employees sort #1 plastic on the MRF sort line.

Drop-off Center - The outdoor recycling drop-off center is open 24/7 to faculty, staff, on- and off-campus students, and the surrounding community to bring recyclable materials from home or work.

Education Center - The education center promotes sustainability through reuse, recycling and waste reduction education. Building tours are available and community outreach will be developed. The center (and conference room) is available to the on-and off-campus community. Find out more by calling the Recycling Center @ 517-355-1723.