Recycling at Bates

Bates makes it easy to reduce waste. With single stream recycling, all recyclables go in one bin, no sorting, and more than 60% of what we throw away can be recycled.

 

Campus Recycling

Click here to find out what items can be recycled in single stream.

FLIERS
What goes in Recycling
What goes in Trash

POSTERS
recycling poster 1
recycling poster 2

 

Electronics

Bates recycles 100% of its electronic equipment. As the College cycles through its process for updating computers on campus, all replaced equipment is sent to eWaste Alternatives, a non-profit organization that collects computers, peripherals and other electronics for reuse and recycling. eWaste Alternatives refurbishes and retrofits as much as possible of the equipment it receives and donates the updated equipment to PCs for Maine. PCs for Maine makes the refurbished computers available to individuals with disabilities, residential and community support services for adult education programs and municipalities for employment training.

What can be done with obsolete CDs, DVDs, Microfilm and Microfiche?

Old CDs, DVDs, Microfilm, and Microfiche and other electronic-related items owned by Bates may be recycled by calling Jim Guzelian at 786-6413.

Can personal computers and other electronic components be recycled at Bates?

Yes. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) offers an annual recycling program for Bates Staff typically held during the month of June. Look for emails announcing the event.

 

Light bulbs

Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to four years. While considerably more energy efficient, these light bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. Institutions are therefore required to recycle these bulbs so that they do not end up in landfills or waste-to-energy facilities.

To recycle your CFLs, please give them to your building custodian.

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) manages the recycling of all mercury containing products at Bates. If a CFL bulb should break in a dorm room or office space, please contact the EH&S Office at 786-6413 for clean-up guidance.

 

Batteries & Cell Phones

Bates has 3 collection sites for rechargeable batteries and cell phones on campus. Click here to find out what types of batteries are accepted.

  • Commons (by the printer)
  • Ladd Library (adjacent to the Lost & Found)
  • Pettengill Hall (at the Reception desk)