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Recycling Programs

Last updated April 26, 2007 4:56 PM

In ongoing efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, Carnegie Mellon utilizes recycling as a preferred disposal method of hazardous and solid wastes.

Recycling efforts are managed by the Environmental Health & Safety Office and the Facilities Management Services (FMS) Environmental Coordinator.

New recycling initiatives are continually being developed and there are many existing programs in place now. Only those recycling programs managed by the Environmental Health & Safety Office are listed on this site.

Battery Recycling

Computer Recycling

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Green Practices and Other Campus Recycling

Oil Recycling

Battery Recycling

As a part of our ongoing efforts to reduce Carnegie Mellon’s environmental impact, we have begun to recycle batteries.

Rechargeable batteries recycled:

  • Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd),

  • Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

  • Lithium Ion (Li-ion)

  • Small sealed lead acid

These rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cell phones and lap top computers.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Collection Points:

  • Environmental Health & Safety Office (3rd floor Facilities Management Services Building)

  • Radiation Safety Office (313 Mellon Institute) 

The offices are open between the hours of 8:00am- 5:00pm M –F. 

Alkaline Battery Recycling:

Alkaline batteries are also being recycled. Take alkaline batteries to the following locations.

  • Environmental Health & Safety Office (3rd floor Facilities Management Services Building)

  • Radiation Safety Office (313 Mellon Institute) 

  • Mellon Institute Store Room (MI389)

  • University Center Information Desk

Laboratories and groups that generate hazardous waste, can also submit batteries for recycling with their regular waste pick-ups.

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Because fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, all fluorescent bulbs on campus must be recycled. NEVER dispose of fluorescent bulbs in the trash or in a dumpster. 

Normally, fluorescent bulbs on campus are changed by Facilities Management Services (FMS). FMS has two fluorescent bulb accumulation points on campus. When they change your bulb, they save the bulbs for recycling. To arrange for your bulb to be replaced, contact FMS Service Response at 412-268-2910. 

To have fluorescent bulbs picked up for recycling, or to report abandoned fluorescent bulbs call the Environmental Health & Safety Office at 268-8182.

Oil Recycling

All used motor oil, pump oil and even cooking oil on campus is being recycled. To arrange for an oil pickup, complete an online Hazardous Waste Removal Request Form. Oil is then collected, consolidated and then sent for recycling.

Oil Storage/Disposal Guidelines

  • Never dump oil down a drain or on the ground

  • Store oil in closed container

  • Label each container “USED OIL” and mark your building and room number on container

  • DO NOT complete a hazardous waste tag, UNLESS the oil is contaminated with a solvent or other hazardous component

  • Never store oil near a floor drain

  • Use secondary containment to ensure that any leak or spill is contained

  • Keep sufficient oil pickup material on hand to address a spill

Contact EH&S to report ALL oil spills