Sustainability at Harvard

Recycling at HKS

HKS’s four main buildings and 124 Mt. Auburn Street all have SingleStream recycling. SingleStream recycling means that you can put all paper in the same bin as plastics, glass, and metal cans and foil. To learn more about SingleStream recycling-check out this video: http://www.explorethecycle.com/

What can I recycle at HKS?

Paper (can be mixed with comingled)

Almost ALL types of paper can be recycled, including:

  • White paper (tape & staples are ok)
  • Colored paper (tape & staples are ok)
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Catalogs
  • Envelopes (plastic window are ok)
  • Paperboard (cereal boxes, tissue boxes, etc.)
  • Paper bags
  • Books & notebooks

** Napkins, tissues, paper towels, and coffee cups are not recyclable.

Cardboard

All cardboard can be recycled; please break down the boxes first. Cardboard can be recycled by:

  • Submitting a work request form via Lotus Notes
  • Leaving next to a recycling bin
  • In Belfer, leave near the elevators
  • In 124 Mt. Auburn St. flatten, place next to a paper recycling bin, and label “Recycle/Reciclaje” to distinguish from boxes that are to be reused.

Comingled (can be mixed with paper)

The following are recyclable:

  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastics #1-7 (rigid plastics only, NO plastic bags)
  • Aluminum cans
  • Aluminum foil (clean)
  • Tin or steel cans
  • Aerosol cans
  • Milk & juice boxes and cartons
  • Rigid plastic take-away containers

Please rinse food waste out and dump liquids before recycling. Caps are recyclable.

**No coffee cups, foam, plastic utensils, greasy pizza boxes, or plastic bags

Electronics

For large electronics, such as computers (note, this is for HKS owned electronics only):

For small electronics, such as cell phones and PDAs, there are many options, including:

  • Bring to Staples (they take cell phones, PDAs, pagers, digital cameras, and chargers)
  • Donate or recycle it: http://exphone.org/

Remember to erase all info off your phone first; directions available at: www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/default.asp

Batteries

All types of batteries can be recycled at HKS. Please bring them to the basement of Littauer outside of room G-39 or to bins located in various departments.

Toner and printer cartridges

Please recycle toner and printer cartridges. Options include:

  • Mail them back in the postage paid envelope or box that comes with the new one.
  • Give to your OfficeMax delivery person. (They will take back any type.)
  • Bring to Staples.

Special Events

Composting

HKS composts at large events, such as the annual staff picnic, student picnic, and holiday party. If you are interested in composting at your event, please contact Facilities.

Move-out Donation Station

HKS & Harvard Recycling collect small usable, unwanted stuff at the Donation Station on the ground floor foyer at Belfer in May and June. The donations are sold in September at the annual Stuff Sale, with proceeds benefitting Harvard's Habitat for Humanity.

Book Swap

The annual staff picnic in July is also host to a book swap.

SingleStream Recycling FAQs

1. What is SingleStream Recycling?

With SingleStream, mixed paper and commingled containers (cans & bottles) can now be put in the same bin.

2. Why are we switching to SingleStream Recycling?

The recycling plant that Harvard takes much of its recycling to has been converted to accept SingleStream Recycling. SingleStream has been shown to increase recycling rates because it is easier for people to recycle (especially at desk-side recycling bins).

3. How does it work?

The recyclables are separated at a new recycling plant by magnets, eddy currents, and optical scanners. Watch a short animation on SingleStream: www.recyclebank.com/recycling

4. Won’t the paper get contaminated by liquids from the cans & bottles?

The paper will get wet, but it can still be recycled.

5. Can I put a can of soda with liquid in the paper bin?

As always, it is best to dump out extra liquid before putting cans & bottles in the recycling bin. Please make sure that there is no food in any containers you recycle so as not to attract rodents.

6. What can be put in the SingleStream bins?

  • All paper – white & colored (staples, tape, and plastic windows ok)
  • Paperboard (such as cereal boxes)
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Newspapers
  • Junk mail
  • Phone books & books
  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Plastics #1-7 (NO plastic bags)
  • Aseptic packaging (such as orange juice containers)
  • Glass jars & bottles
  • Metal cans and aluminum foil

7. What cannot be put in the bins?

Please only put the above things in the bins. Do not put tissues, napkins, paper towels, coffee cups, paper plates, plastic bags, styrofoam, pizza boxes, plastic utensils, or food in the recycling bin. Consult our posters for more information.

8. What buildings is it available in?

SingleStream is now in Littauer, Belfer, Taubman, Rubenstein, & 124 Mt. Auburn Street. SingleStream is not available in some leased buildings like the Charles Hotel and 1 Brattle Street.

124 Mt. Auburn Recycling/Trash Procedures

Please bring recycling to central locations, as it will not be picked up from individual bins. Bring food to the central trash locations, as trash is picked up from desk-side bins only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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