POLICY TITLE: Carnegie Mellon University Recycling Policy

DATE OF ISSUANCE: This policy was originally issued to campus on 10/5/90 as a presidential policy memo, Recycling Policy for Carnegie Mellon.

ACCOUNTABLE DEPARTMENTS/UNITS: Questions on policy content should be directed to Barbara Kviz, Environmental Coordinator, Facilities Management Services, x8-7858 or bk11@andrew.cmu.edu.

ABSTRACT: Describes the university's recycling program and waste reduction efforts.

RELATED INFORMATION: Carnegie Mellon Recycling and Environmental Practices

Recycling Policy for Carnegie Mellon

This is to announce the adoption of the following Recycling Policy for the university.

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to recycling the materials it uses and to minimizing non-hazardous waste. It is the responsibility of every member of the campus community to support these efforts that will protect our environment by conserving resources and preserving rapidly diminishing landfill space. The implementation of a campus-wide recycling program is the first step toward developing a comprehensive environmental policy for Carnegie Mellon. Recycling is just one part of a much larger program of activities through which Carnegie Mellon will take an increasingly active role to further understanding and preservation of our environment in the years to come.

Facilities Management Services is responsible for the implementation of Carnegie Mellon's recycling program. The Environmental Coordinator in this department will be responsible for the management of the recycling program and coordination of waste reduction efforts on campus. Each department will designate, in writing, an official Recycling Liaison who will coordinate departmental recycling efforts with the Carnegie Mellon Environmental Coordinator.

The entire campus community is expected to actively participate in Carnegie Mellon's Recycling Program and waste reduction efforts. This involves three distinct activities.

1. Recycling of paper, cardboard and beverage cans (aluminum and bimetal).
2. Source Reduction: This includes but is not limited to making double-sided copies, increased use of electronic mail instead of memos, reuse/resale of surplus furniture, etc.
3. Purchasing products made from recycled materials. The long-term success of recycling programs in this country depends on the creation of markets for recycled materials. All departments should purchase recycled products wherever economically feasible.

Recycling programs already functioning on campus are encouraged to continue and expand provided that they do not hinder the campus-wide recycling program. Individuals responsible for such programs must provide recycling volume data to the Carnegie Mellon University Environmental Coordinator to permit the university to comply with Pennsylvania Act 101 (Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 101 of 1988).

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