MIT Targets Ambitious Recycling Goals

News Updates

Single Stream Recycling—Recycling Made Simple Facilities has launched a Single Stream Recycling Program on campus. In single stream, the collection and processing systems are designed to handle a mixture of paper, plastics and cans together. For a list of participating buildings go to: web.mit.edu/facilities/environmental/SS_Buildings.pdf. Replace old labels or add new ones to your recycling bins by downloading and printing the Single Stream Bin Label (pdf).

The more MIT recycles materials and reduces the amount of trash we produce, the more the Institute saves financially and contributes to a sustainable environment. In 2008, the community recycled nearly 250 tons of mixed paper, 48 tons of bottles/cans, 70 tons of computer parts/monitors, and 200 tons of wood and metal harvested from discarded furnishings.

Greater community involvement and more recycling options are boosting participation. Departments are no longer required to pay for pick up of Ewaste that weighs less than 50 lbs.

With a campus-wide effort, MIT 's recycling rate reached its goal of 40% in 2005 and received a GoGreen award from the City of Cambridge for its efforts.

The Department of Facilities works with campus partners such as the Environment, Health and Safety Office and the award-winning Working Group Recycling Committee to improve MIT’s recycling efforts. A new initiative targets food preparation—the largest campus waste producer—by composting nearly 120 tons of food waste in 2008.