This website explains how the recycling program in faculty and graduate student apartment buildings at Columbia University’s Morningside Campus works: what materials are recyclable, how and where to recycle them, and what happens after they leave your sight. Columbia University complies with all New York City, state and federal regulations. Recycling bins for paper and bottles and cans are available in every building, usually in central locations such as suites, lobbies and hallways. Most recycling and trash bins are labeled with Columbia University stickers, and signs explaining the recycling program are often posted near the bins. Columbia University Facilities oversees the recycling program on the Morningside Campus.

The recycling program depends on your participation. Protect your environment by participating correctly.

Paper and Cardboard

Columbia University’s Morningside Campus complies with New York City’s recycling program in all residential buildings. The program requires separating the various kinds of recyclables including all types of paper and cardboard.

Paper and cardboard can be discarded together into any receptacles designated for paper. Receptacles marked “Paper” are generally found in central areas such as hallways, lobbies and trash rooms. If a recycling receptacle is missing, contact your building superintendent.

The custodial staff collects these recyclables for pickup by the New York City Department of Sanitation.

YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING	NO - PLACE IN TRASH
White, colored and glossy paper (Staples OK, but not spiral bindings.) Mail and envelopes Wrapping paper (Remove ribbon and tape.) Smooth cardboard (Shoe boxes, tubes from paper towel and toilet paper rolls, cardboard from product packaging. For food boxes, remove inside and outside plastic wrappers.) Paper bags Cardboard egg cartons and trays Newspapers, magazines and catalogs Phone books, soft-cover books (Paperbacks, comic books, etc.) Corrugated cardboard (If flattened boxes are large, place them next to the recycling bin.)	Hardcover books (Recyclable, if the cover is removed.) Used napkins, paper towels or tissues Soiled paper cups or plates Heavily soiled paper Plastic- or wax-coated paper or cardboard (Candy wrappers, take-out containers, etc.)

Glass, Metal and Plastic Containers

Columbia University’s Morningside Campus complies with New York City’s recycling program in all residential buildings. The program requires separating the various kinds of recyclables including some types of glass, metal, plastic and beverage cartons. Not all plastics and glass are recyclable under the program; see below for a description of which items are recyclable. Receptacles marked “Bottles & Cans” are generally found in central areas such as hallways and lobbies. If a recycling receptacle is missing, contact your building superintendent.

The custodial staff collects these recyclables for pickup by the New York City Department of Sanitation.
 

YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING	NO - PLACE IN TRASH
Glass bottles and jars Metal cans (Tuna cans, empty aerosol cans, empty and dried-out paint cans with lids removed, for example.) Aluminum foil wrap and trays Household metal (Wire coat hangers, pots, pans, for example.) Plastic bottles and jugs Beverage cartons and drink boxes (Milk and juice.)	Any glass items other than glass bottles and jars (Mirrors, light bulbs, ceramics, and glassware, for example.) Any plastic items other than plastic bottles and jugs (Deli and yogurt containers, plastic toys, cups, plastic tops, bags and wrap, for example.) Styrofoam (Cups, egg cartons, trays, for example.)

Computer and Other Electronic Equipment

Fluorescent Lamps and Other Mercury-Containing Devices

Batteries

Printer and Copier Cartridges

Reusable Items for Donations

Reusable materials such as furniture generated during moveouts at the end of the year can be donated to a local charitable organization through the Give and Go Green Initiative.

As Columbia University replaces furniture, Facilities attempts to donate pieces that are still usable to local charitable organizations.

Bulk Waste

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