Lafayette is committed to achieving a 40% diversion rate from the landfill by 2030 and 60% by 2035. Academic departments often create different types of waste than individual students. This page includes information on the following:

How can my department recycle e-waste?

  • For smaller electronics, please see our electronics page here.
  • For large supplies of department electronic waste, contact Hannah Tatu (tatuh@lafayette.edu)
  • For personal e-waste, we encourage you to check your local municipalities website or take your e-waste to Best Buy (or other vendors), especially for bigger items such as televisions. You can find your closest drop-off location at earth911.com.

How can my department decrease waste generated at events?

Planning and executing events can often lead to the generation of waste if not carefully thought through. Consider these tips when planning your next department event:

  • Request reusable dish-ware when placing your catering order instead of disposables. You can also request local and LaFarm ingredients to be used in your menu.
  • For beverages, request carafes and coolers instead of single-use beverage containers.
  • Order the right amount of food for your expected attendees. Discuss with catering directly to find out how much food you need (catering@lafayette.edu).
  • Ensure you have proper trash and recycling bins and signage. If you are placing a work order, be specific to include this information.
  • Consider offering composting at your event. Reach out to sustainability@lafayette.edu to learn more.
  • Limit the amount of disposable or single-use giveaways. For example, instead of handing out pamphlets in a branded plastic bag, consider ordering reusable bags that the attendee can use after the event (and continue sporting your branding!). We recommend using Eco Promotions to order your giveaways.

For any questions or to request a consultation on sustainable events from the Office of Sustainability, reach out to sustainability@lafayette.edu.

How can my department recycle hazardous, chemical, biological, and infectious wastes?

  • The management of these waste streams is conducted through Environmental Health and Safety.
    • Follow this link for information about disposing of hazardous and chemical waste
    • Follow this link for information about disposing of biological and infectious wastes
  • Download and print our signage on types of hazardous waste here.
  • For more information, please contact public-safety-ehs.group@lafayette.edu

How can my department recycle ink cartridges?

  • Lafayette College recycles ink cartridges through our partnership with WB Mason. Simply follow the steps below:
    • Put used ink cartridges (any brand is fine) into an empty cardboard box
    • When the box is full, seal and label it “Recycled Toners/Ink”
    • When a WB Mason driver makes a delivery, ask them to take the box and they will return it to the facility for recycling.
  • Download and print our signage for ink cartridges here. You can post this sign above your collection box.
  • For more information, contact chris.knibbs@wbmason.com or view the Lafayette ink cartridge infographic

How can my department recycle K-Cups?

  • While the program has officially ended, Keurig is still accepting prepaid boxes from their former recycling program. The Office of Sustainability has a limited supply of these boxes. While supplies last, email sustainability@lafayette.edu to get one for your department. Download and print our signage for k-cup collection here.
  • K-Cups can now be recycled in normal recycling streams if emptied and cleaned.

How can my department participate in the Sustainable Office Program?

Lafayette’s Sustainable Office Program helps departments and offices at Lafayette measure the impact of their office operations and provide recommendations to improve year-over-year. Offices will receive a certification for their participation and have the opportunity to recertify as improvements are implemented.

Click here to learn more about creating a greener workspace with the Sustainable Office Program.

 

How can my department participate in the Green Labs Program?

By participating in Lafayette’s Green Labs Program, teaching and research labs across campus can take action to reduce their resource consumption and drive forward a culture of sustainability at Lafayette.

This voluntary self-guided program presents labs with a checklist of sustainability-focused actions they can incorporate into both planning and day-to-day of lab operations. Learn more here.

How can my department recycle writing utensils?

  • Pens, pencils, highlighters and other writing utensils can be collected in any bin of your choice (cardboard box, plastic bin, etc.). Download and print our signage to post above your collection box here.
  • Once your bin or box is full, bring the contents to Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center 203 and place them in the large TerraCycle box for recycling.

Connect with us

Office of Sustainability

Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center Room 203
746 High Street
Easton PA, 18042
sustainability@lafayette.edu