The Residence Halls Association wants students to take out the papers and the trash.

RHA’s recycling program negotiated a contract this month with Waste Management, 16320 Grove Road in Lansing. The recycling program is available in all of the residence halls and is now in its sixth year.

Jenny Chandonnet, the program’s coordinator, said RHA recycling is renewing its contract with the company, one of the largest sanitation companies in Michigan.

“They have worked quite well with us, considering the volume that comes from this campus,” Chandonnet said.

She said residence halls produce nearly 2,500 pounds of paper fiber and other recyclable goods every year.

She said her limited budget forces her to watch costs and rely on nearly 100 volunteers on campus.

But before the contract was signed, students and hall managers questioned whether Waste Management was properly separating materials.

“We had some concerns at one point and we toured the recycling plant with a Waste Management representative,” Chandonnet said. “They were helpful to explain the vast technology that separates the recyclable material. Right now, Waste Management is the most cost-efficient.”

Kevin Wassom, account executive for Waste Management, said very little has been changed since the company began operations with RHA four years ago.

Chandonnet said she is working on a long-term project to consolidate the university recycling program with RHA’s.

“There has always been that vision of consolidating the programs,” she said. “They would love to pick up the recycling from the residence halls, but they can’t handle the volume.”