Waste Reduction, Recycling and Composting
Mount Holyoke is committed to recycling and waste reduction and recycling and has a long-standing recycling program. Everyone on campus is expected to participate in this program.
Mount Holyoke is committed to recycling and waste reduction and recycling and has a long-standing recycling program. Everyone on campus is expected to participate in this program.
Central bins for recycling, trash, and composting are located on each floor, typically in kitchenettes. Please bring items from your room and place them into the appropriate container.
There are four different bins:
Recycling bins are available for each student room.
Each office is equipped with a trash can which will are emptied by housekeeping staff.
Each office is equipped with a blue recycling bin for paper. Larger paper recycling bins are located on each floor.
Cardboard recycling bins are located in the basement of administrative buildings. To recycle cardboard in your office, please remove all contents and packaging material, flatten the box, and bring it to the bins.
Bins for mixed paper and containers are located throughout the academic and administrative buildings.
Laser toner cartridges
Inkjet cartridges
LaserJet, fax and printer toner cartridges
Canon toner disposal
Inkjet cartridges
Public collection areas are located
The proper container should be used according to the type of battery
As a reminder, these containers are provided to collect batteries generated from College equipment and students living on campus only.
Soft cover books can be recycled with mixed paper.
No hard bound or plastic covers!
Hardcover books will be collected periodically for donation or recycling. Many books may also be donated to local bookstores or civic organizations for reuse.
Cell phones can be put in mixed battery containers for recycling.
For more information visit EPA's eCycle site for information on recycling cell phones.
Dining services is committed to exploring options to increase environmentally sustainable purchasing and practices.
Composting in the residence halls was brought about through the efforts of a student-built pilot program developed and run by MHC Composting Team (Kaila Goldstein ’22, Trinity Kendrick ’21, Aja Smith-Saunders ’21, Maya Sterett ’20). The Miller Worley Center for the Environment, MHC Botanical Gardens, and MHC’s Facilities Management. The composting pilot program was fully institutionalized in 2020.