Recycling at MIT

1
Recycling at MIT

• Why does MIT recycle?
• The Massachusetts Waste Ban requires it
• Reduces environmental impact
• Lowers costs for disposal
• Keeps materials out of landfills
• Its the responsible thing to do

2
Recycling saves money and resources

• MITs 40 recycling rate saves
• 24,576.51 cubic yards of landfill space
• 6,441 pulpwood trees
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 909.91 tons
• Over 265,000 in tipping fees

3
The Dos of Recycling

• What does MIT recycle?
• Paper
• Plastic and glass
• Aluminum and steel
• Electronics
• Cardboard
• Construction materials
• Yard waste

4
Some things contaminate recycling

• What dont we recycle?
• Pizza boxes if there is oil on the box
• Hardcover books
• Styrofoam
• Waxed cardboard
• Tissues, paper towels and napkins

5
Single Stream

• Whats new at MIT?
• Cans and bottles cango into desk-side bins
• Program began in August
• Its now in 16 buildings
• Will continue to expand

6
Practice the three Rs

• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Tips
• Place recycling bins next to all trash cans
• Make your own recycling containers
• Give a second life to a container
• Use the back side of printed sheets as notepads
• Pass along stuff you dont use any more
• Be elegant and use real dishes and cloth napkins