- What are the differences between the recycling programs at Barnard and Columbia?
- Can I recycle yogurt containers at Barnard?
- Can I recycle used pizza boxes?
- Can I recycle egg cartons?
- Can I recycle the lid to my milk carton or Pepsi bottle?
- I’ve seen Facilities staff toss the trash and recycling together during collection. What’s up with that?
- How can I compost at Barnard?
- What does the dining hall do with its waste?
Q: What are the differences between the recycling programs at Barnard and Columbia?
A: Barnard and Columbia use different waste carting companies. The main thing to remember: When at Columbia, recycle ONLY #1 and #2 plastics that are bottle-shaped (the neck is smaller than the body). Otherwise, the bag will be considered “contaminated” and will be sent to the landfill along with non-recyclable waste. Because Barnard is awesome, you can recycle plastics of any shape that are #1 through #7. Look for a recycling symbol with a number on the side or bottom of the container to determine the type or number of the plastic.
back to all faq.
Q: Can I recycle yogurt containers at Barnard?
A: YES!! Check the bottom of the container to make sure it is an accepted plastic, but as a rule of thumb most yogurt containers can be recycled at Barnard.
back to all faq.
Q: Can I recycle used pizza boxes?
A: If your box is squeaky clean, without grease stains or cheese stuck to the bottom, yes. Covered in goop and grease? Toss it.
back to all faq.
Q: Can I recycle Egg cartons?
A: Cardboard egg cartons are accepted in the paper recycling bin. Hard plastic egg cartons may be recycled… check the bottom of the container to be sure. Styrofoam egg cartons must be thrown in the trash.
back to all faq.
Q: Can I recycle the lid to my milk carton or Pepsi bottle?
A: No. All caps must be removed and thrown in the trash before the bottle is recycled.
back to all faq.
Q: I’ve seen Facilities staff toss the trash and recycling together during collection. What’s up with that?
A: Action Carting hauls all trash and recycling in the same truck, but uses different color bags to determine where the waste will go. In general, black bags mean the waste is destined for the landfill while clear bags mean that the waste will be sorted at the recycling plant. However, if a clear bag is excessively contaminated with non-recyclable items it will often be sent to the landfill.
back to all faq.
Q: How can I compost at Barnard?
A: There are a few options when it comes to composting at Barnard.
We have a compost bin that lives between Altschul and Lehman library. If you want to participate in our composting program please email us at ecoreps@barnard.edu and we will share the protocols etc.
You can also compost food scraps at the community garden on campus with CUFSP (Columbia University Food Sustainability Project).
There are other options in New York City as well – specifically the compost drop-off program with the Lower East Side Ecology Center. For more information check out there website here.
back to all faq.
Q:What does the dining hall do with its waste?
A: Food scraps in Hewitt go into the Bio-X machine (this is why we separate our food scraps from other trash). The Bio-X machine uses microorganisms to break down the food into waste water. Disposable, non-recyclable plates, silverware and containers, unfortunately, goes to the landfill.
back to all faq.
