Pitt-Johnstown recycling opportunities have diminished, giving students limited options for what to do with some of their trash.

Some recycling bins that once were placed in freshman dorms have been removed, as well as a recycling dumpster previously located at the College Park Apartments.

The removal of recycling bins around campus may discourage students from recycling on campus altogether.

There are still recycling bins in some of the academic buildings, but students who live a significant distance away from them may not want to walk there from their house just to recycle.

Recycling can be a good way to bring the community together and give a sense of responsibility to young people.  It is a small step that can get people to care about the environment and take care of the planet.

A Sept. 11 email sent to Pitt-Johnstown’s students described a new recycling program due to China’s ban on the import of some recyclable materials.  

Pitt-Johnstown staff, however, have not done a good job publicizing the new recycling program.

Part of this new program means that any non-recyclable material thrown into a recycling bin causes the entire bin to go to a landfill because of contamination.  

Recycling bins are also supposed to eventually be placed back in the dorms.

Program leaders also want to educate students about the importance of recycling.

Pitt-Johnstown administrators have said they want to educate students on recycling and get the campus more environmentally friendly, but how is that possible when we are not being adequately informed?

Administrators are not only failing to encourage good behavior, but are also failing to assist students to develop one of the qualities of good citizenship.

Not only does recycling help the students, but it also helps the community. It brings people together with a common goal, and that is to help the planet and one another.