Have a question about waste? Email us at sustainability@vassar.edu and we’ll be in touch + add it to the list.
Q: What can I recycle on campus?
A: A guide to the most common trash, recyclable, and compostable materials is available here.
Q: I saw the same truck pick up the trash and recycling bags – is our recycling actually getting recycled?
A: All waste and recycling is brought to the same off-site Waste Transfer Station for sorting. This secondary sorting ensures that non-recyclable material doesn’t contaminate much larger batches of recyclables, while also in some cases allowing for recyclables accidentally sorted into a landfill bin to be recycled. Your support in keeping our recycling bins clean and uncontaminated still matters, and greatly increases Vassar’s total recycling tonnage.
Q: Where can I compost on campus?
A: Several of the dining areas have compost receptacles; however, due to major contamination issues the only front-of-house composting location that is consistently collected and able to be diverted is at Gordon Commons. A smaller composting program pilot is also in operation at Ferry House.
Q: What types of plastic can I recycle?
A: Dutchess County collects #1 – #7 plastics. However, please make sure whatever you place in a recycling bin is clean, and avoid film plastics or plastic bags which are not recyclable through the single-stream bins.
Q: Can I recycle my single-use to-go containers?
A: Many single-use to-go containers at Vassar are recyclable, but check the container for a recycling symbol to make sure. Please also make sure the container is either rinsed out or at least wiped so food residue doesn’t contaminate the rest of the container. When in doubt, throw it out.
Q: Are the new recycling and trash bins smaller than the old ones?
A: While the apparent size of individual bins may have changed in different locations as part of our work to standardize all of them, the total capacity of the combined stations is as much or larger. Facilities Operations and the Office of Sustainability have been collaborating to identify problem areas and increase bin count or staffing rotation where needed.