Recycling at Colby-Sawyer

Colby-Sawyer recognizes that wise use of natural resources is essential to ensure we don’t consume them faster than they regenerate. The college continues to expand recycling and composting programs by encouraging students, faculty and staff to keep organic and reusable materials out of landfills.

What Can I Recycle in "Zero-Sort" Bins

Colby-Sawyer processes trash and recyclables using a "zero-sort" system. All recyclables are placed in the same bin, allowing for a larger variety of materials to be recycled with less hassle including:

For more information, view Casella’s Zero-Sort Recycling List or check out signage at campus recycling collection centers.

What Else Can I Recycle

Colby-Sawyer also collects Hard(er)-to-Recycle Items that require specialized handling. Batteries, ink cartridges, electronics, and plastic bags can be placed in blue filing bins in Colgate Hall and the dining hall. If you have questions about these other materials, please contact Recycling Coordinator Mike Peirce at mpeirce@colby-sawyer.edu.

How About Composting

Food scraps can be brought to the dining hall, where they go into the EcoVim dehydrator and then to a local farm to be composted. A smaller Vermicompost system, located in the Environmental Studies Green Suite, uses worms to break down waste and create nutrient-rich material for the Anne Baynes Hall Seedling Lot and Organic Garden.

Student Waste Reduction Initiatives

ReChargers: Student-run program that collects unwanted items during the spring move-out period and stores them over the summer to sell back in the fall.

Sustainability Core: Student-led club committed to leading a planet-friendlier lifestyle and initiating more sustainability on campus. Weekly discussion topics include sustainable beauty routines, local eating, and conflict-free shopping, in addition to workshops and tabling events. For more information, contact makayla.wilbert@my.colby-sawyer.edu.

Feed the Freezer: Students focused on fighting food waste and hunger by recovering perishable meals from the dining hall and teaming up with local pantries to help distribute food to those in need. Each semester, the club organizes two to three challenges in the dining hall to spread awareness about these issues. For more information, contact hzahn@colby-sawyer.edu.