1420 Waste Stream, Scrap Material, and Recycling Management

Responsible Official: Vice President for Facilities, Campus Development and Sustainability, Executive Director of Environmental Health & Safety
Responsible Office: Facilities, Sustainability, Environmental Health & Safety
Effective Date: August 30, 2011
Revision Date: April 4, 2024

Policy Sections

1420.1 Waste Disposal and Recycling at Yale

Scope

This policy applies to all Yale University regulated and non-regulated waste, scrap, and recycling streams and establishes requirements for staff, faculty, and students regarding approved disposal responsibilities and stewardship. Specific guidance and contact information for each waste stream type is detailed in Section 1420.1, below.  

Policy Statement

Yale is committed to safe and sustainable waste disposal and recycling. University community members are expected to handle and dispose of waste in accordance with the defined responsibilities outlined in this policy.

All waste, scrap, and recycling originally purchased by the University are University property, regardless of location.

For additional information on how to properly categorize each waste stream, please reference the grid in Section 1420.1, below.

Reason for the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all University waste streams, scrap materials, and recycling are handled in a manner consistent with the University’s efforts for sustainability, environmental, health, and safety standards, as well as financial stewardship of University property. 

Policy Sections

1420.1 Waste Disposal and Recycling at Yale

The below table outlines the approved disposal responsibility and contact information for waste, scrap, and recycling management.  Disposal via any alternative method (i.e., not contacting the approved department for disposal) is a violation of University policy.

It is important to note that specific approvals are required for disposal of Equipment (per Policy 4209.6), disposal of Capital Assets (per Policy 4202.6), and disposal of Obsolete Inventory (per Policy 4210.9) prior to categorizing them as waste, scrap, or recycling, and disposing of these items via the methods contained within this policy.

Table 1. Waste Disposal and Recycling at Yale

Table Note 1:

• Deposit recyclables into provided bins across campus and in buildings, as appropriate.
• All recyclables (non-shredded paper, metal, plastics 1, 2, and 5, and glass) can go into the same recycling bin for collection. Must be free of liquid or food. Items smaller than 2 inches should go into the trash.
• For disposal-related questions, including guidance regarding disposal of cooking oils, contact the applicable Building Superintendent.
• For non-hazardous waste that is not suitable for recycling or disposal in bins, submit a Pickup Service Request. Select the applicable Request Form at: Facilities Service Requests
• For emergency requests only, call:
   
  • 203-432-6888 (Central Campus)
  • 203-737-3005 (West Campus)

Table Note 2:

• Contact TR&S phone number for guidance.
• To submit a Service Request Form, visit: TR&S Forms and Supplies
• To promote reuse within Yale, post an item on the Eli Surplus Exchange: Eli Surplus Exchange

Table Note 3:

• Specific disposal requirements exist for each EHS category listed. Visit the provided category link in the table and follow instructions for EHS disposal.
• Important: There are additional requirements regarding disposal of Computers and Peripherals (outlined in Procedure 1610 PR.01), as well as Media containing Confidential or Protected Health Information (outlined in the Minimum Security Standards (“MSS”).)

Table Note 4:

• For waste that is not suitable for disposal in bins, submit a Pickup Service Request. Select the applicable Request Form at: Facilities Service Requests
• For emergency requests only, call:
   
  • 203-432-6888 (Central Campus)
  • 203-737-3005 (West Campus)

Roles & Responsibilities

Offices With Specific Waste Stream Responsibility (as listed in Section 1420.1, above)

• Jointly responsible for the administration of this policy.
• Individually responsible, as indicated in Section 1420.1, above, for the oversight of waste stream management and disposal.
• Individually responsible as subject matter experts for their associated waste streams, who may be contacted with any related questions.

Yale Community Members

• Responsible for adherence to the rules and guidance set forth this policy.
• Responsible for properly disposing of waste in accordance with the provisions of Section 1420.1, above, and for contacting and engaging the appropriate office(s), as necessary.

Related Resources

Welcome | Yale Environmental Health & Safety

Home | Yale Sustainability

Welcome to Yale Recycling | Yale Recycling

Yale Office of Facilities | Office of Facilities