Sustainability at Carthage

Recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I recycle?

All residence halls and academic buildings on campus have recycling stations on every floor. These recycling stations are located in the lounges in residence halls, and in high-traffic areas in campus buildings. These recycling stations accept plastic, glass, cans and paper/newspaper. They are emptied on a regular schedule. Learn more about what you can recycle.

Do I need to sort my recyclables?

The recycling stations on campus are divided into three separate bins: paper/newspaper; cans; and plastic/glass. Items should be sorted into their appropriate containers.

I see Environmental Services staff emptying recycling containers into one big container, combining paper, plastic and glass. Does that mean they’re just throwing it all away?

No. When Environmental Services staff empty a recycling station, the items you sorted stay sorted in separate garbage bags. Paper stays in one bag, plastics and glass bottles stay in another bag, and aluminum and tin cans stay in a third bag. But all three bags are collected in a single recycling dumpster.

This is because Carthage utilizes single-stream recycling, which means all recyclables are combined in one recycling dumpster before leaving campus. Waste Management empties these dumpsters daily, taking Carthage's recyclables to an off-campus facility, where they are sorted again — this time, more thoroughly.

Can I recycle batteries?

Yes. There is a five-gallon pail in each residence hall for small batteries, like those used in cell phones, cameras, flashlights, etc. These pails are collected and taken to Maintenance, where Batteries Plus picks them up. Hedberg Library also collects batteries for recycling.

Please note: Car batteries should not be placed in these buckets. Car batteries should be taken to the Maintenance Department for recycling.

Can I recycle ink cartridges and light bulbs?

Yes. Hedberg Library collects ink cartridges for recycling. Light bulbs are recycled through the Maintenance Department.

What about old refrigerators and computers?

The Carthage Maintenance Department recycles refrigerant from small refrigerators in residence hall rooms. Students who have a broken refrigerator should contact the Maintenance Department.

Carthage recycles old computers, monitors and keyboards. These items can be taken to Lentz Hall garage, by the mail room, or Hedberg Library loading dock. Or contact the Maintenance Department.

I have a suggestion for Carthage about recycling. Who should I contact?

Please send an e-mail to Mary Slater, Environmental Services Supervisor.