#  Waste Sorting &amp; Recycling 

 
##  Waste Sorting &amp; Recycling 

 
Not sure how to dispose of or recycle something? Use the Waste Wizard, explore what goes beyond the bins, and find options for reuse and specialty recycling on campus.


       ![A bin setup with different signs and containers for liquids, recycling, trash, and compost](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2026-05/IMG_3095_blur.jpg?h=ac4b15c7&itok=WRsDWwnN) 

 
###  Waste Wizard: Which Bin Does It Go In? 

 
  _recollect_config = { 
    area: "Harvard", 
    name: "wizard", 
    locale: "en" 
  };
 

SortSingle-Stream RecyclingCompostTrashPlastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs

Paper and cardboard - including hot coffee cups!

Metal cans and foil

Glass bottles and jars


Food scraps

Coffee grounds

Compostable containers and utensils

Napkins and paper towels


Foam and black plastic

Single-serve packets, straws, and utensils

Wrappers

Plastic bags and stretchy film (unless you have access to film recycling collection)


##  Beyond the Bins 

These items and materials require specific handling.

 
 ### Textiles

Clothes, bedding, towels, and shoes, even torn or stained!

Banned from trash disposal in Massachusetts; recycle or donate instead.


 ### Batteries

**Do not put in trash or recycling** due to fire risk, especially lithium-ion, rechargeable, and button batteries.


 ### Electronics

Computers, TVs, phones, printers, accessories - anything with a plug or a battery! Many contain hazardous materials and valuable parts.

Securely recycle any electronics with data; explore [IT's guide for disposing of electronic waste.](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=2cc82a0a9370c7543953bbcc5cba10c1)


 ### Mattresses

Mattresses and box springs are banned from trash disposal in Massachusetts; donate or recycle instead.


 ### Plastic Film 

Stretchy plastics, like bubble wrap, plastic mailers, or grocery store bags.

Either recycle this in [a special collection](/resource/plastic-film-drop "Plastic Film Drop-Off"), or put it in the trash (**not recycling**).


 ### Ink/Toner Cartridges

Most vendors on campus have takeback programs to recycle your cartridges.


 ### Reusable Goods

Donations of all kinds - furniture, mattresses, household goods, office supplies, athletic equipment, and more.


 ### Other Waste Ban Items

Construction materials, including metal and wood

Leaves, grass and brush

Appliances


### Unsure where to donate or recycle something? 

 
 [ Find the Right Contact arrow\_circle\_right ](/resource/donations-and-specialty-recycling) 

 
      ![an office chair](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-04/AdobeStock_1858083058.jpeg?itok=pA594ubA) 

 
    _recollect_config = { area: "HarvardUniversityMA", name: "wizard" };


#rC-material-list a {
    font-size: 22px;
    font-weight: bold;
    text-decoration: underline;
    color: #A51C30 !important;
}
 

  [### Solid Waste Bans in MA

 ](https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/resource/solid-waste) Learn more about items banned from trash disposal in Massachusetts. 

 
   ![A cardboard box](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3081.jpg?itok=Mas9oNV6) 

 
   [### Waste Signage

 ](https://fmo.harvard.edu/recycling-waste/waste-signage) Download waste signage here. 

 
   ![Labels showing Recycle, Compost, and Trash signs](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Signage%20%281090%20x%20613%20px%29.png?itok=LCaTY6uU) 

 
   [### Recycling &amp; Surplus Center

 ](https://fmo.harvard.edu/recycling-waste/surplus-center) Free, surplus campus goods. 

 
   ![A variety of used furniture ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_0935.jpg?h=c873fc29&itok=4H5ng0GC) 

 
   [### Top Tips

 ](/resource/top-tips)The most impactful actions you can take to reduce waste on campus.


   ![People browsing books at a reuse event](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2025.04.22_Harvard%20Earth%20Day-49.jpg?h=7f710112&itok=z2rumY6x) 

 
   [### OFS: Zero Waste

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/our-plan/how-we-operate/waste/) Explore Harvard's waste data through the Office for Sustainability. 

 
   ![Someone holding a phone scanning a sensor in a waste bin](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2023_03_21_Harvard_Nordsense_Installation-31%20smaller.jpg?itok=7P-0Wt8u) 

 
   [### Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/resources/sustainable-purchasing/) Reduce waste through your purchasing practices on campus. 

 
   ![A stack of white binders](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3075.jpg?itok=baEIbcuq) 

 
   [### Sustainable Labs Guide

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/schools-units/sustainable-labs/) Reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in your lab. 

 
   ![Pipette pen shown with pipette tip boxes and droppers](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3072.jpg?itok=bB1jaB6O) 

 
   [### Sustainable Meeting and Event Guide

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/resources/meetings-and-events/) Learn how to reduce waste at meetings and events on campus. 

 
   ![Event waste bin set up showing separate and labeled bins for multiple waste streams](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Gund%20ZW-Events_02.jpg?h=543c0747&itok=crC24ir0) 

 
   [### Harvard Recycling Newsletter

 ](http://eepurl.com/hP-Ph5) Upcoming events, updates, and new resources. 

 
   ![A portion of a sign that reads "Zero Waste at Harvard". ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2025.04.22_Harvard%20Earth%20Day-18_1.jpg?itok=C6_O-L_5) 

 
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