University of Maryland Marriott Reduces Landfill Waste, Implements Composting and Recycling Initiatives

The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center by Marriott has announced significant savings from its recycling and composting programs implemented in February 2008. In 2008, approximately 28 tons of trash per month (336 tons per year) left the hotel, as compared to 2007, with 37 tons per month (444 tons per year). Of the 336 tons, 10 percent is recycled (glass, metal, paper, cardboard), 32 percent is composted (food scraps, plant materials), and 52 percent is trash that goes into landfills. The recycling and composting resulted in annual savings of $6,000.

The hotel launched a "green team" last year and hired a compost vendor, Envirelation Inc. With the help of recycling vendor Pinnacle Waste, Inc., the team also developed a recycling plan and trained employees on what can be recycled and how to separate the material. In addition, the team also looked at other areas of the hotel that could be "greened," including the restaurant and kitchen, and implemented a variety of programs there.