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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get more involved in environmental work at Yale?
Students, staff, and faculty are engaging in environmental efforts all over campus, all the time. Check out the campus partners section of our website for more information on joining environmental groups. In addition those groups, the number of courses on environmental issues has increased dramatically in the last several years. For a complete list of the courses on food, agriculture and the environment in spring 2009, visit the Yale Sustainable Food Project's course list.
What is mixed paper?

Mixed paper includes:

  • White paper
  • Colored paper
  • Glossy paper
  • Newspaper
  • Paperboard (includes cereal boxes and many gift boxes)
  • Paper bags
  • Envelopes (even those with plastic windows)
  • Manila folders
  • Sticky notes
  • Books (including hardcover)
  • Shreded paper

* Staples and Tape may be left on papers.

Do not recycle these items in Mixed Paper:

  • Paper Clips
  • Hanging files
  • Food service papers
  • Paper cups
  • Copy paper wrappers
Can I recycle pizza boxes?
No. Pizza boxes cannot be recycled because the cardboard becomes soiled with grease, cheese, and other foods once the pizza has been placed in the box. Once soiled, the paper fibers become inseparable from the oils during the pulping process.
What should I do if my heat doesn't work or the knob on the radiator is broken?
If you have concerns about the heat in your room or entryway, email energyconservation@yale.edu with your room location and a short description of the problem.
Do I have to wash containers before I recycle them?
A little residue is not a problem (other than it might make your recycling smell). If there is a lot of residue, the workers at the recycling plant will take it off the conveyor belt and probably just throw it away, rather than taking the time to wash it. If you're putting in the effort to recycle, rinse the recyclable item if it's really dirty.
Which plastics are recyclable?
Right now, Yale recycles plastics #1 and #2. Check the bottom of the container for the number.
Can I recycle cardboard milk cartons and orange juice cartons?
Right now, Yale cannot recycle milk and orange juice cartons. These cartons are coated with a thin layer of plastic film. In order to recover the paper fibers, they would need to be separated from the film layer. Yale's recycling center is not set up to do this.
What should I do with used alkaline batteries?
You may dispose of your used alkaline batteries in the battery and universal waste bucket in your residential college. If you are not sure where your universal waste bucket is, check the STEP bulletin board or email your college coordinators.
What should I do with used electronics?
Used electronics should be disposed of in your residential college's universal waste bucket. Used electronics include laptops, keyboard and mice, monitors, scanners and printers, CD players, radios and televisions, MP3 players and camcorders, and cell phones. If you are not sure where your universal waste bucket is, check the STEP bulletin board in your college or email your college coordinators.
Is there any way to recycle the material from old sneakers?
In conjunction with Nike and the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition, Yale Recycling collects sneakers throughout the year. We send the sneaker to Nike each summer so that they can be made into athletic surfaces such as running tracks, playgrounds and even the cushion underneath wooden basketball courts. Bring your sneakers to 330 College Street, Welch Hall basement, Yale Recycling Office. Welch is a locked building so please call to let us know that you are coming: 432-6852. If you have good quality sneakers, however, we suggest that you donate them to Salvation Army or another such re-seller so that others may use them.