General
Where can I get a recycling bin?
Where can I get a trash bin?
Which containers have plastic bags in them? Does a plastic liner mean, that the receptacle is for trash?
I have seen my custodian throw the recyclable into the trash what should I do? I've heard that things don't really get recycled and that everything is just mixed with trash. Is that true?
I live in a small house and I would like to start recycling. What do I do?
I live in a Greek house and I would like to start recycling. What do I do?
Where does all the recycling go?
Does the campus bookstore have recycled products?
Why does the University not switch to 100% recycled paper?
What do I do with cardboard boxes?
What about pizza boxes?
Can I leave the lids on bottles?
Do I have to rinse the bottles and cans?
Can I recycle toner cartridges?
Can I recycle lab plastics?
Can I recycle electronic media such as CD's, DVD's, diskettes, etc...?
Where can I get a shredding service to destroy confidential documents?
Can I recycle Styrofoam?
 
Surplus Shop
My deparment has unwanted furnitures, could facilities store them in the warehouse?
How do I arrange pickup for items I saw on the Surplus website?
Can I post personal items on the Surplus website?
Can I claim items on the Surplus website for personal use?

Q: Where can I get a recycling bin?

A: E-mail: recycle@tufts.edu. Let us know what size and what type you need. Click here for more details.

Q: Which containers have plastic bags in them? Does a plastic liner mean, that the receptacle is for trash?

A: All large bins are lined with plastic bags. This includes bottles & can and paper recycling bins. The liners keep the bins clean and help the custodians transport the trash and the recyclables.

Only the small blue (or grey) recycling bins in your office are not supposed to have a plastic bag in them.

The medium sized bins do have a plastic liner. They often have a recycling logo but are used for trash. We are in the process of correcting this by relabeling the bins.

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Q: Where can I get a trash bin?

A: Your department is responsible for providing you with trash bins. Tufts Recycles! currently only provides recycling bins.

Q: I have seen my custodian throw the recyclables into the trash…what should I do? I've heard that things don't really get recycled and that everything is just mixed with trash. Is that true?

A: No, recycling is part of Tufts' custodial contract. Custodians are trained regularly in proper recycling. The only time that containers or paper are not recycled is if the recyclables are too contaminated with trash. Custodians are not obliged to sort recyclables!

Although we all try to do our best, there is always the possibility that a custodian is just not recycling properly. If you feel that is the case, approach them and ask them directly about recycling. Please be friendly! If you still have a problem, call us at the recycling hotline and leave us exact information: x7-3947 or e-mail us at recycle@tufts.edu. We will follow-up and help remedy the situation.

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Q: I live in a small house and I would like to start recycling. What do I do?

A. Medford and Somerville each have curbside recycling programs. Your house or apartment can easily become involved in these programs. Visit either the Somerville or Medford website for more information.

Q: I live in a Greek house and I would like to start recycling. What do I do?

A: Some Greek houses are recycling. If you want to start recycling at your Greek house or have questions. Contact us! recycle@tufts.edu or x73947

Q: Where does all the recycling go?

A: The recycling goes to Conigliaro Industries where it is shipped to buyers that recycle the material for new products. Visit their webpage to find out more details.

Q: Why can we not buy more recycled products at the campus bookstore?

A: Our campus bookstore is recently under new management which is very concerned with environmental responsibility. They currently sell many recycled products and are working to expand the selection.

Q: What is the reason that Tufts University does not switch to using 100% recycled paper?

A: 100% recycled paper is more expensive but many departments buy at least 30% recycled paper. The Office of Sutainability is working to advance this goal.

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Q: What do I do with cardboard boxes?

A: Flatten them and place them behind or next to the recycling bins.

Q: What about pizza boxes?

A: Unfortunately, these can't be recycled, so they must be placed in the trash. Please compact them as much as possible.

Q: Can I leave the lids on bottles?

A: Yes, but try to ensure they are empty before placing them in the bins.

Q: Do I have to rinse the bottles and cans?

A: No, it is not necessary to rinse containers out, except for milk and beer which causes an unpleasant smell.

Q: Can I recycle toner cartridges?

A: Yes, please place them in the battery buckets. Toner bottles are also recyclable. Put them in a bottle and can bin. For Medford locations click here, Boston locations here.

Q: Can I recycle lab plastics?

A: Non-hazardous plastic can be recycled with other commingled containers. Tufts Recycles! is not familiar with all the products used in campus laboratories, but a good guideline is to compare products to those used in your home. Almost all home cleaning product containers are recyclable, as long as they are completely empty. Recycling is partially proccessed by humans (click here for photo). Do not recycle anything that may put someone's health in danger.

Q: Can I recycle electronic media such as CD's, DVD's, diskettes, etc...?

A: Tufts Recycles! does not coordinate electronic media recycling but there are services available to departments who wish to use them. Green Disk recycles virtually all types of electronic media: www.greendisk.com

Q: Where can I get a shredding service to destroy confidential documents?

A: To arrange service, contact Cintas (800)762-6765. Northeast Data Destruction (866-560-4555) also does work with Tufts.

Q: Can I recycle Styrofoam?

A: Unfortunately, although marked with a recycling symbol, Styrofoam is not a material we recycle at Tufts. Some Mailboxes Etc. and UPS stores will accept used packing peanuts for reuse.

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Q: My deparment has unwanted furnitures, could facilities store them in the warehouse?

A: Unfortunately, space is very limited in the warehouse and is often reserved for facilities equipments and supplies. Therefore, you must hold on to your surplus until someone claims them.

Q: How do I arrange pickup for items I saw on the Surplus website?

A: Delivery arrangements for the equipment are the responsibility of the department obtaining the surplus. If you need more help transferring items (e.g. big table, cabinet, etc.), transportation of surplus can be arranged by sending a fee based I.D.R. to the Facilities Department.

Q: Can I post personal items on the Surplus website?

A: Yes you can. Tufts Recycles! always encourages the Tufts community to reduce, reuse, and recycle so that we could reduce our contributions to landfills and incinerators.

Q: Can I buy or claim items on the Surplus website for personal use?

A: Yes you can but there are some restrictions. You may claim personal items posted by other users immediately. However, any Tufts-owned items must have been posted for at least 30 days before you could claim them.

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