Overview

Containers for glass are provided in all eating and food service areas. Additional receptacles are provided for University functions. Glass bottles are placed in barrels for transportation to the recycling center. Lab glass can not be recycled and excess items should be reused or perhaps donated to Colleges.

Cardboard boxes are removed by our staff to a central processing area. The boxes are placed in a baler which compresses and secures them into bales of between 250 and 1000 pounds each. The bales are then removed by our University recycling vendor.

A large assortment of paper may be collected by the custodial worker. Desk top recycling bins and under desk bulk paper recycling boxes are available from our department. Large volume paper recycling boxes are also available for waste intensive areas such as copy rooms. These materials are collected, on a regular basis, in  plastic bags and removed to a central holding area for transport.

Containers for cans are provided in all eating and food service areas. Additional receptacles are provided for University functions. Individual cans are placed in plastic bags and taken to a central location to be placed into a can baler. This unit compacts and bales the cans into a block which is transported to a recycling center.

Departments which have refrigerators, air conditioners or other white goods which are no longer functional must contact the Department of Facilities Services at 5-6846. They will evaluate the piece of equipment. If it can not be repaired it will be emptied of any oil or CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons). These materials will then be reused or sent to a specified recycler. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety then inspects the item, and upon their approval, Custodial Services will remove the piece to a central location for transport by a certified recycling company.

Used or broken computer equipment is reported to the Department of Information Systems. Once they have inspected the equipment it can follow two paths. If the item is functional, and has value, it will be used to replace an older unit on campus or placed in the excess property list. If the equipment is not used after 90 days the items may then be purchased by employees for private use.

Lead and mercury are two examples of exotic metals recycled by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. These items are collected and sent to certified recyclers. Also, where possible, excess chemicals are reissued to other researchers for their use.

Salvage contractors will be required to report poundage of concrete, plaster board, general construction debris and metals recovered during demolition. Their handling and disposal must be within all State requirements for recycling.

The Department of Materiel Management and Purchasing strongly encourages that all vendors reduce packaging, provide programs for removal or retrieval of packing and/or shipping materials. Many labs reuse shipping containers for handling of specimens.

All excess furniture is evaluated for its value or usefulness to the University prior to disposal. Quality items are held in storage for reuse. After 90 days, if these items are not used, they become available to employees. Information on excess furniture is available by contacting 215-503-7778.

Individuals wishing to dispose of large quantities of recyclables or waste should contact 215-955-6846 for information on how we can help. Large containers are available from 50 gallons to 40 cubic yards.