Waste and Recycling

Recycling Program for University Waste

Gordon’s recycling program for waste is quite extensive. Every member of Gordon’s community is expected to actively participate in recycling. Gordon’s recycling system includes a two color-coded barrel system located in the common areas of each campus building. Some buildings on campus might also have white compost buckets or compost barrels where food waste should be disposed of. The types of waste Gordon collects is as follows:

  • Trash and waste
  • Paper, bottles/cans, and plastic (Single Stream Recycling)
  • Techno trash (Batteries, CDs, DVDs, keyboards, monitors, etc.)
  • Compost, (Fruit peels, tea bags, egg shells, etc.)
  • Metal waste (Disposed of at Physical plant)

Where Does it Go?

Gordon’s main recycling disposal center is located behind Lane Student Center in a large compactor. The single stream recycling compactors are located behind Physical Plant and Lane Student Center. Individual dorms have areas reserved for student recycling. After being processed on campus, recycling is picked up by Casella and processed in their strict facilities. Then these recycled materials can enjoy a new life as auto parts, containers, or even clothes!

Misuse Policy

Gordon’s commitment to recycling extends to a fine for people who grossly misuse recycling facilities or fail to recycle at all. This could mean disposing of trash in recycling collection areas or inattentiveness in common spaces. It is important to not contaminate recycling areas with trash or other materials. Please dispose of these items in the correct matter. A successful recycling program involves everyone on campus.

Waste Diversion

Gordon is committed to diverting materials from the landfill or incinerator by recycling, composting, reusing, donating, or re-selling. In 2024 Gordon was able to divert 32.3% of waste form landfills. Here is a breakdown of the numbers:

  • Gordon produced 226.47 tons (452,940 pounds) of trash
  • Gordon recycled 53.10 tons (106,200 pounds) of materials
  • Gordon composted 27.45 (54,900 pounds) of food

These numbers are amazing, however we can do better! Gordon will continue to work on increasing the amount waste diverted and decreasing the amount of waste overall.

Single Stream Recycling

All recycling on campus can be disposed of in one container. Any type of paper or cardboard; glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and lids (removed from glass bottles) are accepted. Gordon’s single-stream recycling and universal waste collection has been integrated across campus in public and personal areas. Pre-consumer composting has been utilized in the dining area and dorms with kitchens.

Techno-Trash

The College recycles computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, copiers, fax machines, phones, circuit boards, A/V equipment, cables, CDs, DVDs, batteries, and cell phones. Containers for techno trash are located in the recycling area of each dorm.

Composting

The campus composts fruit waste, raw vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, dead plants, and old flowers.

Additional Recycling

Chemistry Department teaches and uses "Green Chemistry" procedures in the classroom, reducing the amount of hazardous wastes produced.

Certain wastes (such as batteries, pesticides, cathode ray tubes, fluorescent bulbs, etc.) widely generated by households, businesses and industries can be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) regulates these types of products under the "Universal Waste Rule." To comply with these regulations, as well as to help protect the environment and to decrease disposal costs, Gordon College recycles all of the following products:

  • Batteries
  • CRTs
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Motor oil
  • Thermometers
  • Thermostats

Waste leaves Gordon at about 4 times the cost per ton as recycled products. Through recycling, the College not only demonstrates its collective commitment to the created world, it cuts waste management costs by thousands of dollars as well.

Tonnage Information

How much waste does Gordon actually produce? Here is the tonnage report for 2024.

Questions? We're here to help

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