Recycling: Nevis Laboratories
This website explains how the recycling program at Nevis Laboratories works: what materials are recyclable, how and where to recycle them, and what happens after they leave your sight.

Columbia University’s Nevis Laboratories, located in Westchester County, complies with all local, state and federal regulations. Nevis Laboratories Facilities oversees the recycling program.

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

Paper and Cardboard

Nevis Laboratories cooperates with local and state recycling regulations in all laboratory and administrative 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. If you don’t find these receptacles, call Facilities (212-854-4899) to request them. Within each office, you’ll find small blue or white bins for paper recycling. In central areas – near copiers or in hallways, for example – you’ll find larger bins designated for paper.

The custodial staff collects all the paper and cardboard. It’s brought to a central location where a private waste hauler, Suburban Carting, removes the paper and cardboard.

What and How to Recycle:
PAPER & CARDBOARD

YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING BIN NO - PLACE IN TRASH BIN
  • 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.)

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Glass, Metal and Plastic Containers

Nevis Laboratories does not have separate recycling receptacles for glass, metal and plastic containers because Westchester County regulations do not require commercial facilities to recycle these materials.

Bulk metal or bulk items containing metal are removed by Facilities and placed in a special container. If you have a large scrap metal item that needs to be removed, contact the Facilities Department (212-854-4899). Scrap metal is recycled by BrookField, a private vendor.

 

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Computers and Other Electronic Waste

Nevis Laboratories complies with all local, state and federal regulations regulating electronic waste by ensuring that this material is kept out of our landfills through demanufacturing, that is by recovering parts that can be reused, thereby keeping as much as possible out of the waste stream.

If you wish to dispose of any electronic device, including computer equipment, call Facilities (212-854-4899). Facilities staff will remove the item to a central area. Morningside Campus Environmental Health & Safety oversees the removal of this material by Northeast Lamp Recycling, a hazardous waste vendor.
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Fluorescent Lamps and Other Mercury-Containing Devices

Mercury-containing devices such as fluorescent lamps and ballasts are classified as hazardous waste. Nevis Laboratories complies with federal regulations for their disposal and recycling. Incandescent bulbs are not recycled and should be placed in the trash.

If you need a lamp or other mercury-containing device removed, call the Facilities Department (212-854-4899). Facilities staff will remove the item and will bring it to a central area. Morningside Campus Environmental Health & Safety staff oversees the removal of this material by Northeast Lamp Recycling, a hazardous waste vendor.

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Batteries

Most batteries, excluding alkaline, are classified as hazardous waste. Nevis Laboratories complies with federal regulations for their disposal and recycling.

If you have any type of battery for removal, contact the Facilities Department (212-854-4899). Facilities staff will remove the item and will bring it to a central area. Morningside Campus Environmental Health & Safety staff oversees the removal of this material by Northeast Lamp Recycling, a hazardous waste vendor. back to top

Printer and Copier Cartridges

All spent toner cartridges should be sent back to the manufacturer by using the prepaid shipping labels supplied with each new cartridge. If you have a large number of cartridges, contact the Facilities Department (212-854-4899) to request a pickup. back to top

Oil

Nevis Laboratories complies with all local, state and federal regulations regarding the disposal of oily wastes.

Waste oil from machinery and vehicles is collected in 55-gallon steel drums. Facilities staff bring full drums to a central area. Morningside Campus Environmental Health & Safety staff and a waste vendor oversee its removal.

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Tires

Nevis Laboratories complies with all local, state and federal regulations regarding the disposal of tires.

The tires are recycled through the vendor from whom the tires were purchased.

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Bulk Waste

Bulk waste – items too large for disposal with the regular waste stream -- are removed by facilities staff and deposited in a container from which they are removed by a private vendor. If you need a bulk waste item removed, contact the Facilities Department (212-854-4899). back to top

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