Environmental Health & Safety

Waste Streams at MICA

MICA has trash, recycling, composting, and e-waste bins located in many different areas on campus.

Trash

Trash bins are located throughout all buildings on MICA's campus and within residential dorms. All trash should be placed in the correctly labeled trash bin. The trash bins should not contain anything that belongs in recycling, e-waste or compost.

What should be placed in the trash bin:

  • All non-recyclable items
  • Food waste
  • Plastic bags
  • Food wrappers/bags
  • Styrofoam.


Single Stream Recycling

Recycling bins are located throughout all buildings on MICA's campus, including residential dorms. When recycling plastic bottles, leave the cap on the bottle so they can be sorted correctly. Food can contaminate and make items non-recyclable. Break down cardboard and remove packaging material. 

What should be placed in the recycling bin:

  • Paper, paperboard, and cardboard

  • Plastic containers and bottles

  • Food and beverage cans

  • Glass containers

Compost

Composting is currently available in the Meyerhoff House trash rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Compost can be disposed of in the green bins at the back of the trash rooms. Compost can be reused as fertilizer and soil amendment, and is more beneficial for plants because it helps retain water and nutrients. Including incorrect materials can ruin the whole compost pile, and would then have to be sent to a landfill. 

What should be composted:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Tea bags
  • Nut shells
  • Yard trimmings, grass clippings, and leaves

Image result for ecycleE-waste

Blue e-waste containers are located in most academic and residential buildings on the MICA campus. E-waste contain chemicals that be harmful if disposed of incorrectly, and can cause harm to humans and animals, especially those containing carcinogens. When disposed of correctly, steel, aluminum, copper, plastic and precious metals can be extracted and reused in new products!

What can be placed in e-waste bins:

  • Audio equipment
  • Cables, cords and communication wires
  • Central Processing Units (CPUs), laptops, and servers
  • Computer accessories and peripherals (including mice, keyboards, power supplies, scanners and printers)
  • Computer parts (including circuit boards, chips, cards and hard drives)
  • Music playing devices
  • “Smart watches” and fitness trackers
  • Tablets and e-readers

 

Below are the signs that are used on MICA recycling and trash bins. Please read to learn more information on what should be placed in each bin.

Cardboard & Paper Recycling Bin Sign + Enlarge
Plastic & Aluminum Recycling Bin Sign + Enlarge
Trash Bin Sign + Enlarge
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