Campus Locations

All the Glitters

“Gemstone,” she explains with a chuckle, is the name they have given to the ground up glass “mulch” the Richmond Recycling Center produces from discarded bottles and glassware.  The product comes in three grades, and all are ground in such a way that there are no sharp edges.  Only the color and transparency of the pieces differentiate them from bits of gravel.

If it weren’t for National College, I’d still be on the truck!

It’s just the latest of a number of innovative ways that communities like Richmond are employing to reduce landfill deposits.  Last year the Richmond Recycling Center processed four million pounds of material that would have otherwise gone into landfills.

Carolyn credits her National education as being key to her advancement within the center’s staff.  “If it weren’t for National College, I’d still be on the truck,” she says with a laugh.  An employee with the center since 1997, Carolyn was promoted to Environmental Awareness Educator two years ago.  “I give tours to school age kids, senior citizens…clubs, [on] the fundamentals of recycling,” Carolyn explains.  She also is responsible for a number of special projects, such as the recycled materials “garden” near the center’s main entrance.  Filled with “gemstone,” the garden is a showcase for a variety of recycled or recyclable materials that can be used in the average yard.

Besides glass, the center recycles materials such as aluminum, cardboard, magazines, and of course, paper.  Discarded newspapers become insulation.  Plastic bottles become carpet.  The center even takes in discarded clothing.  “We send those overseas, to the less fortunate,” Carolyn explains on a tour of the center’s 10,000 square foot warehouse.

Carolyn, like many National graduates, has chosen to continue her education with a second degree program.  She hopes to further advance her career with the recycling center, and knows education plays a key role.  What makes National a great place to learn?  “Small classes…hands on,” Carolyn explains simply.  “And I like the teachers.”

We like you too, Carolyn, and you’re certainly one of the many“gemstones” at the Richmond Campus yourself!

On the right is a picture of the machine that grinds discarded glass into smooth-edged, completely safe “gemstones” for use in gardening and landscaping.  Pictured on the left are sparkling gemstones!