The Student Assembly is stepping forward with its plan to bring an improved recycling system to the campus.

Under SA's proposed plan, which will cost nearly $15,000, each dorm room on campus will be equipped with a small recycling bin. Members voted at Monday's meeting on the container that they feel will work best. It is a blue bin with the recycling symbol and a side pocket for newspapers. The cost continues to pose a problem for some members.

"In theory it is a good idea, but it is not the right way to go about this," at-large representative Hillary Rollins, a junior, said. "We have tried in the past, and it is not cost effective. I am convinced there is a better way to spend money with reaching the same goal."

Other members felt that the program is a good start.

"You've got to start somewhere and have commitment," sophomore council member Andrew Casteel said. "It is worth spending money to get to the recycling."

Council Chair Manish Singla, a junior, said the best place to start is with freshmen.

"Recycling is a cultural phenomenon, and we need to gear freshmen towards it," Singla said.

Freshman representative Susanna Emerson agrees. She has asked many of her classmates their opinion, and they are all enthusiastic and awaiting the program, she said.

All council members agree that some type of recycling program must be implemented.

"It is unacceptable for a giant university not to recycle," law school representative Tim Emry said. "It seems strange in the 21st century."

The council discussed the importance of the administration's approval. Both Vice President for Student Affairs Sam Sadler and Mark Constantine, director of Student Activities, have shown their support.

"Us showing interest as students will give encouragement and make the administration take more notice," sophomore council representative Annie Meredith said.

In keeping with the task of reducing waste on campus, Rollins made a proposal for the Daily Grind coffeehouse to offer refillable plastic mugs to cut down the number of styrofoam cups used daily.

In other news, the Student Assembly is preparing for its next forum, which will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. with Assistant Director of Greek Life Anne Arseneau. All students are invited to attend the forum to discuss changes in the alcohol policy.