qubit's SmartSets / Recycling at Phi Tau 2009

Trash goes in the two largest bins. These bins replaced the small dumpster that Phi Tau used to have. Although the bins provide less space, they are picked up more regularly. Unlike the dumpster, all trash much be contained in a large-size trash bag.

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Recycling bins: Metal and Glass

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Phi Tau's two outdoor compost bins. The one on the right was provided by the College and is much sturdier than the trash can we pressed into service on the left.

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Because Phi Tau does not have dedicated custodial staff, it's helpful to clearly indicate that both food compost and paper towels go in the same bins.

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I believe that this load of cardboard was left over from House Day. Usually the brothers will try to break down the cardboard a bit more before putting it out for recycle.

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Dartmouth College recycles numbered plastics from #1-7, which are collected in a large trash bag.

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Phi Tau recently received a rolling bin for mixed paper. Having the bin is a big improvement, as it means that paper won't get soggy and heavy in one of the green bins when it rains.

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It's always extremely handy to have a large supply of these green bins on hand.

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Phi Tau has a small vegetable garden. The garden isn't directly connected with recycling or composting, but it is one of Phi Tau's forays into sustainability.

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There are some especially tall garlic plants in the garden right now.

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Ashley put a label on the patio trash can: "Non-recyclable, non-compostable trash only! Please take all recycling & compost inside."

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We're only able to recycle plastics that are marked with a number #1-7, so we've been encouraging people to put unmarked plastics into this small bin so that we can inquire with the manufacturers to get the products properly marked.

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Reuse: Local egg farmers always need egg cartons, so we collect cartons in a bin and then take them to a farmer once we have a dozen or two.

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The primary indoor recycling bins live in the Dining Room. From left to right: - Battery recycling bin, Broken glass bin, CD/Tapes/small electronics bin - Metal - Glass - Mixed paper - Plastics - Corrugated cardboard

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We have a bin for batteries and a bucket for CDs, Tapes, and small electronics. We also have a metal tin for broken glass. We might not be able to recycle the broken glass, but it often rips trash bags, so it's better to collect many pieces and then carefully wrap and place it in the trash.

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Metal recycling and glass recycling. The laminated posters have held up really well. Although they're a bit more expensive than just paper, you can wipe them off with a sponge and they'll hold up for several years.

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Signs for Mixed Paper, Plastics, and Aluminum. Despite the sign about milk cartons, cartons show up in the Mixed Paper and Corrugated Cardboard bins very often.

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The Outdoor waste management bins at Phi Tau. From left to right, - Two trash bins - Assorted recycle bins - Two compost bins - A tower of corrugated cardboard - A bag of plastic recycling - Mixed paper bin - Empty recycling bins

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