Frequently Asked Questions about Recycling & Waste

Does extra butter and the butter wrapper go in the trash or in compost?

recycling@scu.edu (Office of Sustainability) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:22:00 PST

The extra butter goes into the compost.

If the butter wrapper can tear easily (like paper), go ahead and throw it in the compost.
If it doesn't tear (or if it's made from foil), please put it in "landfill waste". If it looks like paper but doesn't tear easily, it's been plasticized and shouldn't be composted.

Also, check out this article about re-using butter wrappers for baking!

What do I do with my yogurt container?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:28:00 PST

The yogurt container and the foil (or plastic) lid can be recycled. Look for any recycling container on campus.

I live in Sunnyvale and have a lot of old papers lying around; do I have to recycle it separately from my newspapers?

sustainabilityintern@scu.edu (Kristin Sterling) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:24:00 PST

Mixed paper can be recycled along with newspaper.

Can I recycle the compostable containers that hold the fruit and salads in Benson? Or should I just throw it in the trash?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:54:00 PST

UPDATE: You can now compost these containers! Look for the bright green compost collection containers in Benson!

Please don't recycle these containers! When bioplastics end up in recycling processors, they cause expensive problems for recycling facilities, so it is better to throw containers in the compost. If you can't compost, please put them in the trash.

How are electronic companies trying to make computers more eco-friendly? What are the environmental benefits of reusing and recycling e-waste? What are the potential environmental impacts if we do not recycle e-waste?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:44:00 PST

E-waste is a huge environmental problem we are facing today. Many companies are working on reducing the environmental impact of their electronics because most electronics are difficult to recycle, contain a number of hazardous materials, consume a huge amount of energy, and create a lot of waste through the process of production. Apple has just developed a new laptop that is highly recyclable, uses less energy, contains less toxic materials such as arsenic and mercury, and has reduced packaging. Also, because the battery lasts longer, there will be less battery waste. As of recently, a new standard of measurement (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) has been created to rate the environmental impact of desktop computers, notebook computers, and monitors. The Dell Latitude D630, with Intel Centrino processor technology, is the first laptop system that met the gold status with EPEAT. One of the best ways to make a computer or electronic device more eco-friendly is lengthening the lifetime and durability, so they don't need to be replaced as often.

There is an overwhelming amount of health and environmental problems associated with the life cycle of e-waste, from the production to disposal. Not only is a vast amount of e-waste disposed in landfills, but e-waste results in massive amounts of wastewater and other hazardous wastes. Estimates suggest that 50%-80% of e-waste is shipped to impoverished, rural areas in Asia. Villages, rivers, and groundwater supplies become poisoned with this waste. Unprotected laborers are paid miniscule amounts to dismantle the computers, wihch releases incredibly toxic fumes that damage their health and the surrounding environment.

I don't really understand the difference between ink cartridges and receptacles in terms of recycling. Many places will even pay for used cartridges, but I am unable to find any information about recycling my used receptacles. Can you help?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:16:00 PST

At the moment, the Canon Clean Earth Program does not accept the ink receptacles, but they are working on a solution.

I know facilities can come to pick up TV's and remote controls to recycle. Can they also recycle printers?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:11:00 PST

All e-waste can be recycled at Santa Clara University. E-waste includes materials that use batteries or have an electronic cord. A printer is an acceptable example of E-waste.

Students in the residence halls should place e-waste in the designated spot in their recycling and waste area (there should be a sign that reads "e-waste").

Faculty and staff should contact Facilities at extension 4742 to arrange for a pick up.

How do you take care of an empty Starbucks coffee cup?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:59:00 PST

Brown sleeve, lid, sweetner packet: recycle
Cup*: landfill waste
Stir stick: compost

*If you're drinking out of a compostable cup provided by SCU Dining Services, please compost the cup when you're through!

I have been keeping bottled waters to give to guests at meetings in my office and need to reorder. I understand the use of plastic bottles of water is not environmentally correct and want to do what is right. What suggestions can you give me so I can

lcromwell@scu.edu (Sustainability Student) — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:57:00 PST

Bottled water is unsustainable for a number of reasons. Their production is energy and resource intensive due to the actual production of plastic bottles as well as the energy needed to transport the finished products.

Tap water is your best option over bottled water. It is just as clean and safe, and oftentimes even more so. If you don't like the taste of tap water, there are a number of different filters available. Carbon filters (like the Brita ones) are very popular and help to get rid of unwanted chemicals or taste. The Brita filter is also recyclable. Whatever filter you pick, make sure that it is certified by NSF. Depending on how large your meetings tend to be, you can have reusable cups on stock, or encourage your guests to bring a reusable water bottle.

I have a dead computer. How can I get it recycled?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:48:00 PST

You will need to contact Facilities to arrange for pick-up. Your computer will be responsibly recycled this way.

This can happen a couple ways:

call or e-mail Facilities with your request (x4742 or facilities-csc@scu.edu)
submit a work order directly if you are set up to use FAMIS.

Why are frozen food boxes not recyclable, while other food boxes are recyclable?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:52:00 PST

Frozen food boxes (made out of paperboard) are not recyclable because they are sprayed with a plastic coating that protects the contents against freezer burn. Once the material has this coating, it does not break apart as pulp in the cardboard recycling process.

Any box with this type of plastic coating (or waxy coating) is not recyclable.

In general, paperboard boxes are recyclable, so long as

they haven't gotten wet
they haven't been exposed to oil or grease (this is why pizza box bottoms aren't recyclable)
and the plastic liner (common with food boxes) has been removed.

My paper shredder stopped functioning and I have just replaced it. How can I recycle the old one?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:39:00 PST

Please call or e-mail Facilities (x4742 or Facilities-CSC@scu.edu) to request an e-waste pick up.

If you have access to FAMIS, you can submit a work order request yourself.

I am confused about the mixed recycling program. What belongs in mixed recycling, and where do I put recyclables?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:00:00 PST

Mixed recycling:

All paper, lastics (#1-7), aluminum, glass, and tin should be placed in containers labeled with the following: a recycling symbol (outdoor cement bins), "mixed recycling", "co-mingle recycling", "recycling", "aluminum", "glass", and "plastic". Most of these bins are square and maroon.

Cardboard, e-waste, and universal waste do not belong in mixed recycling.

Cardboard gets flattened and placed near paper recycling containers.
E-waste and Universal waste depends on the location. In residence halls, these can be placed on the ground below the "e-waste" sign, or recycled at the building's service desk. In campus offices and other buildings, these items are either picked-up or mailed to Facilities.

We are in bit of a confusing time right now, as we update and standardize our recycling containers. We appreciate your patience!

My department has a lot of extra office supplies (binders, folders, etc.). Where can we send them?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:48:00 PST

One option is to donate these items to the Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT).

RAFT is a non-profit organization that believes hands-on teaching is the best way for teachers to teach and students to learn. They provide creative hands-on activities, educational resources, workshops and inexpensive materials, (many donated by local businesses), to enrich pre K-12 education and community group programs.

How do I recycle textbooks?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:48:00 PST

Textbooks can be recycled along with any type of paper. Because texbooks are quite heavy and have sharp corners, do NOT place them in blue paper recycling bags. Instead, please request a sturdy paper recycling container from Facilities.

Either call x4742, e-mail facilities-CSC@scu.edu, or place a work order through FAMIS.

During Move-Out, students collect textbooks for reuse with Better World Books. This is not a year-long project. For all other times, please recycle these books through Facilities.

How should I recycle during a campus office move?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:28:00 PST

During a campus office move you can recycle the same materials that you would normally recycle. However, if you are anticipating recycling a larger amount of materials than usual (a stack of books, for example) please contact Facilities at extension 4742 to request large recycling bins. Also, Facilities should be contacted to pick up any e-waste being recycled. For more helpful tips on how to reduce waste during a campus office move visit the Faculty and Staff Sustainability website.

Should bottles and cans be cleaned before they are placed in recycling bins around campus?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:14:00 PST

Beverage containers should be emptied before being placed in the recycling receptacle, but it is not necessary to rinse them. This makes it easier for sorting and transporting. Some items with particularly messy or unpleasant contents, such as soup and tuna cans, should be rinsed in order to make sorting easier.

Can I recycle the tops of pizza boxes when they are clean?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:13:00 PST

Please place pizza boxes in COMPOST containers.

If this is not an option where you are, please remove the top of the box (only if it is clean) and recycle with corrugated cardboard.

Generally, we do not recycle pizza boxes because the cheese and grease from the pizza contaminates the box, rendering it unable to be recycled into new products. However, since many times only the bottom part of the box is contaminated, it is sometimes possible to separate and recycle the top. If, and only if, the top of the box is clean, recycle it with corrugated cardboard.

Does SCU recycle hard and soft cover books?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:11:00 PST

Both hard and soft cover books can be recycled here at Santa Clara University. If you are planning on recycling a small amount of books, they can be placed in the blue paper recycling bag or mixed recycling bin. However, if you are planning on recycling a large amount of books, Facilities should be contacted for a pick up at extension 4742.

Does SCU recycle televisions?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:07:00 PST

Yes, SCU does recycle televisions. Televisions are a form of e-waste, which is anything that uses a battery or an electric cord. Signs in the residence halls’ recycling/waste area should instruct students where to place e-waste. Those wishing to recycle e-waste in the office should call Facilities for a pick up at extension 4742.

What do I do with printer/copy paper packaging?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:24:00 PST

Paper ream packaging IS RECYCLABLE.

In the past, these wrappers needed to be discarded in the waste bin because their waxy coating put them in a different paper recycling category.

Now, ALL PAPER TYPES can be recycled in the blue paper recycling bags near copiers, and in any container on campus labeled "recycling" or "mixed recycling".

Where can I recycle newspapers?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:40:00 PST

Newspapers can be placed in any recycling receptacle.

Residence halls: place your paper in the "mixed recycling" bin at each residence hall’s waste disposal area.

Throughout campus: newspapers and all other paper recyclables should be placed in any bin labeled "recycling" as well as the blue recycling bags found near copiers.

What should I do with e-waste?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:38:00 PST

Directions for recycling e-waste in campus residence halls are posted in each building's waste collection area.

Can light bulbs be recycled?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:37:00 PST

The vast majority of recycling programs will not accept light bulbs (such as incandescent bulbs). However, under California's Universal Waste Rule, it is illegal to dispose of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) (and other fluorescent lights).

A single CFL contains about 5 milligrams of mercury, which can be dangerous to humans and the environment if not disposed of properly. These and other items considered universal waste must be either sent to an authorized recycling facility or to a universal waste consolidator.

More resources:

Find a recycling center in your area Earth911.org.
Article: Fluorsecent Light Bulbs Can Become 'Toxic Time Bombs'
PDF: Managing Universal Waste in California

What is e-waste?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:37:00 PST

E-waste is anything that uses a battery or electric cord. All e-waste can be recycled at Santa Clara University.
Here are some examples:

computer
lamp
remote control
hair dryer
Super Nintendo
alarm clock
fan
hair straightener

How can I get involved in RecycleMania?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:19:00 PST

For the ten week duration of RecycleMania, there are a number of activities and events for students, faculty and staff. These will be listed on the SCU RecycleMania website. To participate in these events, you need only to show up!

Another way to volunteer your time is to participate in the Sustainability Squad. This program is available all year long. Volunteers attend on-campus events (such as athletic events) and help guests to properly sort their waste.

What should I do with batteries when I am done with them?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:26:00 PST

When you are finished with batteries you should recycle them. Batteries contain toxic metals that can enter the environment if not properly disposed of, posing a risk to both animals and humans. California became the first state in February 2006 to legally prohibit throwing away batteries and other items considered Universal Waste.

Campus residents: place used batteries and ink cartridges in the blue recycling receptacles at each residence hall's service desk.

Faculty and staff: send used batteries and ink cartridges to Facilities in an intercampus mail envelope.

What can I recycle if I live off-campus?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:35:00 PST

Off-campus recycling procedures are not exactly the same as on-campus recycling procedures.

The following websites provide detailed information concerning recycling off campus:

Does the recycling at SCU go to city/county recycling plants? Who recycles the material?

lcromwell@scu.edu (Lindsey Cromwell) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 11:35:00 PST

After the recycled materials are collected, they are stored at Facilities until picked up by the respective recycling companies.

Aluminum, glass, plastics, and paper are recycled through Mission Trail Waste Systems.
Some paper and all corrugated cardboard are recycled through Weyerhaeuser. SCU uses a compactor for corrugated cardboard before it is picked up for recycling.
E-waste is handled by E-Waste Recyclers, a company out of Grass Valley.
Batteries are processed as hazardous waste and picked up, along with other hazardous materials (such as fluorescent tubes), monthly by All Chemical Disposal.
Ink cartridges are collected and brought to an elementary school, which recycles the ink cartridges to benefit the school.
Green waste is handled my Mission Trail Waste Systems.