Recycling

Columbia Conserves
Web: www.columbia.edu/cu/green

As part of its “Columbia Conserves” environmental program, the University implemented a recycling program in order to increase the amount of material we recycle and reduce the amount we discard as waste. The program, in conjuction with New York City’s recycling program, calls for the separation of recyclables and trash into four categories: All Paper, Bottles and Cans, Toner Cartridges, and Trash.

• All Paper (bins with green labels that read “All Paper”): This includes everything from white paper, newspapers and magazines to Post-it notes, cardboard, and paper cups. Paper contaminated with food should be discarded as trash, as it is not recyclable. Large cardboard boxes should be flattened and placed next to trash receptacles.
• Bottles and Cans (bins with blue labels that read “Bottles and Cans”): Items that can be recycled include soda cans, plastic and glass bottles, and metal cans. Please note that some plastics are not recyclable, such as takeout containers, yogurt containers,
  and plastic knives, forks, and spoons.
• Toner Cartridges (bins with gray labels that read “Toner Cartridges”): This includes laser inkjet cartridges. All types of cartridges are acceptable, with the exception of bottle-shaped cartridges (generally found in older machines) that contain powdered ink. Please dispose of these cartridges in trash bins.
• Trash: Please discard all other items in bins with black labels that say “Trash.” This includes food, most food packing, plastic takeout containers, Styrofoam, and glass bottles.

The Purchasing Department promotes recycling by offering items with recycled content. Purchasing is also working to reuse commonly used items such as laser toner cartridges, wooden pallets, and office furniture.

In order to promote the reuse of office furniture and equipment, the University has created the “Columbia Equipment Re-Use Program,” which gives users the opportunity to give and receive used goods around the University and various local community organizations.

Print Services actively encourages clients to use recycled paper rather than fiber paper for photocopying and printing orders. The Columbia University athletic complex at Baker Field recycles plastic and metal containers, newspaper, and cardboard.

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory collects all colored paper, magazines, envelopes, nonmetallic wrapping paper, and cardboard for recycling.

The Nevis Laboratories recycles cardboard, paper, newspapers, and magazines, and composts horticultural waste such as grass, leaves, and branches on site.