Waste Management & Minimization
Hamilton College generates a wide variety of waste streams. For each type/variety of waste stream, there are rules, requirements or best management practices that apply.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
MSW (i.e. trash or garbage) is routinely generated by employees at their workstations and students in their living/dining spaces. These materials are typically collected at accumulation points by the Facilities Management custodial department, and consolidated by the Facilities Management grounds department. Upon consolidation, MSW is compacted and shipped to the local Solid Waste Authority for disposal/landfilling. Please contact Tim Gadziala (315-859-4500 or txgadzia@hamilton.edu) for more information.
Recyclable Materials
Hamilton College has a long-standing and locally recognized recycling program, and has worked hard with both members of the community and the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority to maximize our collective efforts. The Recycling Task Force is a student-lead group that facilitates the College’s efforts between Facilities Management and the student body, and more information can be found on the recycling website.
FAQ on the NYS Returnable Container Act
FAQ on the NYS Returnable Container Act
Other Waste Minimization Efforts
Hamilton College takes a number of other steps, both voluntary and mandatory, to minimize its generation of waste materials. From a voluntary perspective, the College actively participates in the annual Recyclemania competition, and manages an end-of-semester dormitory cleanout and reclamation program called Cram & Scram. Amongst other things, this program was successful in reducing the average May MSW burden by more than 40 tons. From a mandatory perspective, the College is "required" to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes by both academic and administrative departments by any/all of the following strategies:
- Appropriate chemical storage practices;
- Ordering only what one needs;
- Substituting non/low hazard chemicals for more hazardous ones (i.e. green chemistry); and
- Chemical use reduction through micro-scale experimentation.
Hazardous/Universal/Electronic Waste Management
The regular generation of wastes deemed “hazardous” by state and federal regulators require various technical and managerial strategies to assure they are safely handled, transported and ultimately disposed of. Hazardous wastes are the College's responsibility forever—the “Cradle-to-Grave” concept—and as such, compliance with the rules governing these wastes are mandatory in nature.
Waste Management & Minimization Plan
Waste Management & Minimization Plan
Contact
Brian Hansen
Director of Environmental Protection, Safety and Sustainability
Phone
Email
