Lin King will pick up what most people think of as throw-away stuff -- inkjets, toner cartridges, household batteries, cellular phones, CDs and jewel cases, and even those pesky packing peanuts.

King, the program manager for R4 (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy), UC Davis' recycling headquarters, says recycling is intelligent, especially when you take a long-term view. He got hooked on it when he was young.

"During elementary school, we had a recycling center where we would collect newspapers and cans," he said. "I remember the days after school smashing cans for fun. The income generated provided for a school garden and field trips. I learned at this early age that the correct management of resources could generate money and help the environment."

An alum, King returned to UC Davis nine years ago to manage the R4 Program under the Office of Administration, where he had once volunteered as a student for ASUCD Project Recycle. His master's thesis from Cal State Fullerton investigated the waste reduction and recycling programs at all 23 California State University campuses. But some of his greatest learning took place outside the classroom.

"On my first day attending CSU Fullerton for graduate studies, I purchased a can of soda and then walked the entire campus looking for a place to recycle my can. I found none but convinced the right people to hire me to get a program started. When I completed my thesis, the position at UC Davis opened at the same time."

King says some of the R4 goals include making it more convenient for the campus community to recycle, to reduce waste and promote reuse, to develop methods to better manage natural resources, to generate income, to promote buying recycled, and to be a good campus environmental steward.

He says educating students, faculty, and staff about the rewards of participating in local recycling programs is one of R4's chief duties.

Is R4 restructuring or reorganizing, and/or what changes may take place in the future?

The Office of Administration is currently reviewing a proposal to fully develop and optimize the management and recovery of material resources. In the past, the R4 Program has been primarily developing and promoting waste reduction and recycling practices. The intent is to consolidate and strengthen the full four R's on campus.

What do you like best about your job?

That I am able to work in a field that I have real passion for and also satisfy my personal goals. My job has provided me a chance to care for the environment, to help teach others, to work with faculty, staff, and students, and, at the end of the day, it has provided me time to spend with my family.

What do you like least about your job?

Due to our current budget issues, trying to find funding every year in order to sustain or even try to improve our programs has been very challenging.

What is the biggest challenge of your program in raising awareness about recycling?

With recycling being so much in the mainstream, awareness has not been an issue. Convenience and conveying what people can recycle has been a challenge. If recycling is just as convenient as trash, most people will choose to recycle. However, with recycling markets changing all the time, we need to constantly keep the campus community informed on what is recyclable. Lastly, it's also important to raise awareness on waste reduction and reuse, both of which are as critical as recycling.

Describe some of your hobbies.

I like to play volleyball, go to movies, travel and spend quality time with my wife, family and friends.

Seen a good movie or read a good book lately?

would highly recommend The Pleasure Prescription by Paul Pearsall. During some stressful times in my life, this book has given me great insights on how to overcome stress and put more joy into my life. It has changed my whole perspective on how to live life.

Do you have a favorite thinker, philosopher or role model?

My favorite thinker and role model would be William McDonough, a leader in sustainable development and design. I have attended a few of his presentations and I admire his ideas and accomplishments. His web site is at http://www.mcdonough.com.

If you had three wishes for the world, what would they be?

I would wish that the people in the world could be provided with more joy and peace in their lives by spending more quality time with family and friends. I would wish for a world that cares for our natural resources and environment as assets, which we must turn over to our children in better shape than we originally found them. Finally, I would wish for the world to be able to better communicate with one another, work out any differences openly and peacefully, and treat everyone with mutual respect and kindness. •