Waste & Recycling

WPI attempts to divert as much waste as possible; most of our trash is used to generate energy through incineration, our collected food waste is sent to a local pig farmer, unserved food is collected by the Food Recovery Network and donated, and recyclables are sent to recycling plants.

The Green Team helps organize an E-Waste Drive every year with the Office of Sustainability to divert electronics from the landfill. 

In partnership with the Green Team, the annual waste audit allows WPI to see the recycling rates of buildings on campus. Read the most recent waste audit (2018-2019), which analyzed the waste of the Campus Center.

WPI partners with Black Earth Composting to reduce food waste from its dining halls. All food waste generated in Morgan dining hall is composted, as well as all kitchen waste generated in Founders Hall.

The WPI recycling program handles paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#7 (nearly all), glass, batteries, used electronics and components, lights, ballasts, books, and surplus (bulky items like furniture). 

You can find recycling receptacles in many places around campus for easy access. E-waste bins for electronics are present in most academic buildings; ask where at the main office.

What Can WPI Recycle?

WPI can recycle:

• Paper, newspaper, paperboard, cardboard, and magazines (make sure you flatten all boxes)
• Clean and empty containers:
  • Glass
  • Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs 

  • Tin, aluminum, and steel cans 

     

Learn more about how to prepare your recyclables to be processed by WPI’s Facilities Department.

WPI cannot recycle:

• Styrofoam and paper cups
• Plastic bags
• Containers with food residue
• Plastic wrappers
• Disposable utensils, straws
• Liquids or food waste