Does McMaster actually recycle?
This was a nasty little rumour started a few years back based on half-truths
and bad information that seems to start again every year. Yes,
McMaster recycles, and is committed to recycling - why else would we have
this sweet website? But it's also true that sometimes recycling bags get
thrown
out with the trash,
because they're too badly contaminated to be recycled.
But what about that time
when I saw a custodian just put all the bags into the same tote?
Our
fantastic custodial staff
are every
bit as committed to recycling as you are, but occasionally their methods
and routines - like piling all the bags into one cart - make it
seem as though
they aren't. This simply isn't the case: putting all the bags into one
tote is just the most efficient way to work. With the new initiative
all bags and bins will be colour-coded, and can be easily
sorted once
all
bins in the area are emptied. If you have concerns that your recycling
isn't being recycled, let us know.
What
is recyclable?
Click
on the Recycling Guidelines link on the left hand side of this page, or contact
us
if further clarification is necessary.
Can
I recycle styrofoam or my coffee cup?
One look at the recycling bins at the Student Centre will tell you that most
people don't know the answer to this question. No,
neither of these items are recyclable on campus. This is a VERY serious
problem for recycling at Mac, as every cup that's mistakenly thrown in a recycling
bin brings that bin one step closer to being contaminated beyond salvage. If
you love T-Ho's coffee but don't want to be wasteful, buy a travel mug. Remember,
it is better to reduce than it is to recycle!
Can
I recycle tissues or napkins?
No,
you can't. Tissue, paper towel and napkins are all considered personal hygiene
or clean-up products.
Due to potential contamination, these products are not acceptable as recyclables.
Do I have
to remove paper clips and staples myself?
No, you don't. Incidental paper clips and staples don't have to be removed from
recycled paper. Windowed envelopes and taped pages can also be recycled.
How do I get a recycling
bin if I live off campus?
It's very easy and it's free. If you live in an off-campus house, call
(905) 546-CITY and ask for one. You need to be able to provide
an address but they
will even deliver
it right to your door! If you live in an apartment, contact your
superintendent.
I live off-campus. What
can I recycle in my blue box at home?
Sorry, that one's outside
our jurisdiction. Check our CONTACT & LINKS page for connections to the City
of Hamilton Recycling Website.
Where can I get a small recycling bin for my office?
We are working on an online system to requisition recycling bins for
office and lab settings. For the time being, please contact the Customer
Service clerks at extension 24740.
What can I throw in my desk-side
recycle container?
With the new Do-It-Yourself Recycling
Program in place, what you place
in your desk-side recycler is pretty much up to you, as long as
you are able to sort the items into the two recycling streams
yourself. However,
we'd suggest that cans and other container recyclables that could
spill onto paper be left outside your bin, and carried along
when you dump it. For more info on this program, click HERE.
What's the deal with plastics? What are
#1 and #2?
And why can't I recycle some things that have a recycling symbol on them?
 Not
all plastics are created equal, and only certain kinds of plastic are
conducive to recycling.
The number system is a simple way of categorizing the materials
for easy sorting. The table to the right offers examples and info on the types
of plastic. McMaster recycles only #1
or #2 plastics. Because the "chasing arrows" recycling
symbol is stamped on almost all kinds of plastic, some containers stamped
with
this symbol - like yogurt containers or plastic cups - are still unacceptable.
Our Recycling Guidelines page has a thorough list of what can an can't
be recycled. For more info on the types of plastic, see our Links page
Do
I have to keep newspaper, fine paper and cardboard separate from each
other when I recycle them?
No. You can recycle all acceptable fibrous (paper or cardboard based) materials
in the same Paper/Cardboard recycling bins.
Do
I really have to empty my bottles and cans before I recycle them?
Yes
- if you've got more than a few drops of water, you'll have to throw
the bottle in the trash. Full or partially full bottles and cans
create a hazard at the recycling plant of our waste service provider,
WSI. Because of this, bottles and cans that are partially full are
considered contaminated, and can spoil a whole load of recyclables.
Water a thirsty plant, or share with a (clean) friend before you
toss it out - you'll have no problem getting rid of the extra. For
more info on why, check out our Drink
It Before You Sink It campaign.
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you got a question that isn't answered here, or an item that
you aren't sure is recyclable? Then EMAIL
US by clicking the blue box below. We'll respond ASAP,
and maybe even post your question on our FAQ site!
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