Frequently Asked Questions
Watch this page for new questions and answers!
Q: What do we recycle at Clark?
A: The Recycling Center primarily accepts plastic, cans, and bottles. Physical Plant is responsible for the recycling of a number of other types of items on campus.
Q: Can paper and plastic be collected in the same bins?
A: In order to ensure that your recyclables will actually get recycled, please keep recyclable paper separate. Many containers, particularly soda cans, still contain a small amount of liquid when empty. When liquids such as soda have been spilled onto recyclable paper, the paper is considered "dirty," and will be rejected as trash by most domestic paper mills.
Q: My building's recycling bin is full, how can I get it picked up?
A: First, check the Recycling Pick-up Schedule to see when your building is scheduled. Most campus buildings are scheduled for weekly pickup. Call x7655 for emergency pickup. The recycling program operates with a reduced staff; there is no set pickup schedule. Please allow a day or two for the pickup to occur so that we may perform the pickup without adversely affecting the pickup schedule for the rest of campus.
Q: During breaks, can we request an extra bin when our office cleans out files?
A: You may make your request by calling the Campus Sustainability Coordinator. Recycling staff can deliver an extra bin or two (depending on your needs) when they make their normal pick-up from your building. Please help us to help you by giving us a few days notice!
Q: I saw my custodian emptying the recycling bins into a large trash bag. Is all our recycling just getting trashed?
A: All custodians are instructed to not put recyclables in the trash. In residence halls and houses, custodians empty the bins into trash bags and store the full bags in another part of the building until the scheduled pickup day. In offices, custodians should be emptying the desk-side trash and recycling containers into separate trash bags for removal from the office areas; recycling is generally taken to each building's large grey recycling bins for pickup by the Recycling Center, while trash is brought to the nearest dumpster or trash compactor. If you truly believe the recyclables are being thrown away, please contact us so that we can address the issue appropriately.
Q: Where do I get a recycling bin?
A: Contact Jenny Isler, Campus Sustainability Coordinator. A number of different types of bins are available to service departments or buildings, and personal desk-side recycling bins. Alternatively, departments are welcome to purchase their own recycling bins; please contact us before purchasing bins so that we can ensure they will be compatible with our collection abilities.
Q: Where does all the recycling go once it leaves campus?
A: Clark's recyclables are handled by our contracted waste hauler and the Institutional Recycling Network. IRN combines Clark's recyclables with those from other institutions and markets them based on the best available market price. Therefore, the final destination may vary.
Q: Why can't we recycle pizza boxes?
A: Most empty pizza boxes also include grease and cheese, both of which are considered contaminants when mixed with recyclable paper. Please refrain from placing soiled pizza boxes in recycling bins.
Q: Do I have to rinse my containers?
A: All containers should be empty, and food containers should be rinsed clean whenever possible. Please remember that sticky or dirty containers can generate odor as well as attract insects and/or rodents.
Q: I'm moving and I need some boxes. Are boxes available at the Recycling Center?
A: The Recycling Center generally does not save cardboard boxes of any variety unless a specific request is made. If you are looking for boxes, please call the Recycling Center a few days in advance so that boxes can be set aside for you as they come in. Please be aware that boxes requested but not immediately picked up may be recycled or, near the end of the semester, may be given to another requestor.
Q: My question isn't on this list of FAQ's - whom can I call?
A: Contact Jenny Isler, Campus Sustainability Coordinator.
Q: Recycling is a lot more interesting than I thought. Where can I find more information?
A: Much information about recycling can be found on the internet. For more information on recycling in Massachusetts, visit www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle; for more general information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/index.htm.