On Tuesday, March 28th the Office of Sustainability and the Knight Center will be hosting an e-waste recycling and confidential paper shredding event. All are welcome to bring accepted items to the collection drive, outside Knight and Bauer Hall on Snow Way Drive between 8am and 1pm. All confidential papers and hard drives will be securely and safely recycled by certified vendors.
Electronic waste (or “e-waste”) has historically had a very low rate of recycling, at only 12.5%. While it comprises only a small percent of all waste, it represents the vast majority of toxic waste in landfills. Additionally, it is the fastest growing source of landfill waste. However, when recycled, many highly valuable materials can be recovered from electronics. Currently over $60 million worth of gold and silver inside electronics is dumped into landfills every year.
“Anything with a cord” can be recycled at this event, including computers and accessories, lawn and garden equipment, power tools, and kitchen appliances.
The following items cannot be accepted:
- University-owned items (request a pick up of these items through this form any time)
- CDs/DVDs/VHS (although we can accept CD, DVD and VHS players)
- Light bulbs
- Batteries
Most items will be accepted at no cost. Items that require a disposal fee due to hazardous components are listed below:
- CRT Monitor – $5
- CRT TV 26in or smaller – $30
- CRT TV 27in or larger – $50
- LED/LCD TV – $5
- Freon items – $10
Confidential office papers will also be accepted and securely shredded at no charge.
All recycled items will be weighted and tracked as part of the annual RecycleMania competition, so clear out your files and storage to improve WashU’s ranking against competing institutions!
Other Recycling Opportunities
Help Washington University compete in RecycleMania by purging this month! Offices wanting to recycle large amounts of office paper can request a large roll tote, which will be delivered and removed at no charge through March 29. Contact sustainability@wustl.edu for more information or to request a tote.
Are you energized by the recycling frenzy? Start stockpiling for St. Louis Earth Day’s Recycling Extravaganza. Click here for a list of all the unusual and hard-to-recycle items that you can take to one place for responsible disposal on Sunday April 2.