A centralized trash program is underway at the Albert Sherman Center, with the goal of increasing the single stream recycling rate from 30 to 40 percent. Desk-side trash bins in offices and cubicles have been replaced with recycling bins, to make recycling convenient and encourage people to think about what they generate that is truly trash. Centralized trash bins are located in the kitchenettes on each floor for disposal of non-recyclable items, which should be minimal since most of the waste generated in an office setting is recyclable.
Single stream recycling allows for all glass, rigid plastic, metal and non-confidential paper to go in the blue recycling bins. Recycled items need to be empty, but containers do not need to be rinsed. For information on what items are recyclable visit http://www.umassmed.edu/growinggreen/recycling/ and don’t forget to check out the new office recycling and trash signs.
The launch of the centralized trash program has raised questions regarding the implementation of the recycling initiative, program goals and the strategies for moving forward to increase the recycling rate across the medical school campus.
The centralized trash program will eventually be implemented campus-wide. The Sustainability Office and Environmental Building Services invites all UMass Medical School faculty, staff, and students to attend a town hall-style meeting on Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Albert Sherman Center Multi-Purpose Room East (AS1.2130). The meeting will serve to give campus community members a chance to hear more about the goals of the centralized trash program and an opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns.
