Recycling

Waste Sorting at Bates

Currently, Bates contamination rates are higher than they’ve ever been. Contamination occurs when non-recyclable items (items that belong in the trash or compost) are put in a recycling bin. Due to these high contamination rates, the future of recycling at Bates is at risk. In order to “Save Bates Recycling,” we as a college need to improve our waste sorting practices and start putting our waste in the correct bins. Here are some resources!

Composting at Bates: Organic material such as food scraps, tea bags and coffee grounds, as well as napkins and paper towels can all be composted. At Bates, we have a variety of compost spots around campus, both in some residential and academic buildings. Below is a map of all the compost spots on Bates campus.

Here’s a one minute video that summarizes this information!

Last tip! If you find waste-sorting to be difficult (it really can be!), a great rule of thumb is to focus on making sure cans, bottles and clean paper/cardboard go in the recycling and everything else goes in the trash. When in doubt, put it in the trash and avoid contamination!