Knowing where to put materials once you are done using them can be confusing. For clarity, follow these guidelines to ensure that trash, recycling, and compost bins at Yale are used correctly.
Request a bin and signage
If your building needs bins, labels, or signage, work with your Facilities superintendent to obtain them. If your building is a leased space, contact University Properties at 203-432-8300.
Signage
Using the appropriate signage is a crucial way of communicating how to properly dispose of materials. Bins should be clearly labeled and posting additional signage nearby can provide more descriptive information about what (and what not) to place in each bin.
When organizing events, consider posting additional signage for materials that are specific to that particular event (e.g. “recycle all glass bottles here”). If you are offering reusable options, be sure to direct visitors accordingly so those materials are returned to a central location rather than discarded.
Download recycling signage or request labels and signage from your Facilities superintendent or building manager.
- Single stream recycling: Dos and don’ts
- Single stream recycling: Plastic bags
- Lab recycling: Dos and don’ts
Placement
When serving food, request composting receptacles by submitting a routine Facilities service request at least a week in advance.
Bin types
|
StandardBlack for waste, green for single-stream recycling. Use in interior public spaces and common areas within Yale-owned and occupied buildings. |
|
NarrowBlack for waste, green for single-stream recycling, or as labeled. Approved labels only. Use in interior public spaces and common areas within Yale-owned and occupied buildings where space is prohibitive. |
![]() |
DesksideLarge bin for recycling mixed paper, small bin for waste (non-food). Food waste should be placed in common-area bins. Use in personal offices and workspaces. See the table below for more information on what should, and should not, be placed in mixed-paper bins. |
![]() |
Laboratory recyclingBlue bins are typically used for lab recycling. |
![]() |
ExteriorBlack for waste, green for single-stream recycling. Use in outdoor Yale buildings and spaces, clearly labeled. |
Mixed-paper bins
Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
---|---|
White paper | Paper clips |
Colored paper | Hanging files |
Glossy paper | Food service paper |
Newspaper | Paper cups |
Thin cardboard | Copy paper wrappers |
Paper bags | |
Envelopes with windows | |
Manila folders | |
Sticky notes |
|
Books | |
Shredded paper | |
Staples are okay |