Reduction, Reuse, Rebuying & Recycling

Reduction Efforts

Library and Information Technology Services’ green initiatives include:

• Reductions in paper consumption and paper-waste generation through the PaperCut print management system; most network printers are configured for double-sided printing.
• Reductions in energy consumption by purchasing only Energy Star-rated equipment and by configuring public lab computers to shut down or reduce power during off-hours.
• Tactics to minimize chemical and hazardous waste in the academic science departments, for instance micro-scale experimentation, the substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer/low-hazard chemicals (an effort known as green chemistry) and just-in-time ordering to avoid bulk purchases, storage and degradation.

Reuse/Rebuy Efforts

Cram & Scram is an annual event in which students collect, sort and categorize materials that were traditionally discarded as solid waste before students head home after spring semester. Some of the materials (such as bedding, durable food goods and clothing) collected by our “Cram & Scrammers” are donated to local animal shelters, food pantries or the Salvation Army. The vast majority of the reusable items, for instance mini-refrigerators, microwaves, furniture, electronics and lamps, are temporarily stored on campus and resold to the entire community at the start of the fall semester in August. Not only does Cram & Scram divert significant tonnage from the local landfill, it also provides Hamilton students and employees with reusable goods at a fraction of their retail value.

Recycling Efforts

Hamilton has had a strategic relationship with the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority since 1989, when the College was one of the first major employers in the Mohawk Valley to launch a formal recycling program. The program is a collaborative effort that involves the entire College community and is spearheaded by Facilities Management and a vital, student-led group, the Recycling Task Force.

For more information on any of these programs, or for waste-management solutions at home visit the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority.