SAIC is committed to reducing the amount of waste that is sent to the landfill. Review the resources below to help.
Recycling
Recycling bins are located in all offices, classrooms, and residence halls across campus.
What to recycle at SAIC
SAIC has a single-stream recycling collection program. Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, tin and aluminum all go into the same blue bin. All recycling collection bins are lined with clear plastic bags to distinguish the contents from black trash bags. Clear bags of recyclables are removed by cleaning personnel and then picked up by Lakeshore Recycling. Once the recyclables reach a material recovery facility (MRF) they are separated by people and machines and then sold by the material.
Compost
SAIC provides post-consumer compost collection in the 280 Building Café. Any food that you don’t eat should get scraped into the compost collection container. Food scraps are a valuable resource that can be kept out of landfills and converted back into healthy soil.
SAIC collects organic material created during food preparation at all campus kitchens. The Columbus woodshop also collects sawdust. Collective Resources picks up the collected organic material and then processes it into healthy soil.
Surplus
Surplus is a program where used and excess materials can be made available for other students to take and use for free. Students can bring art-making supplies they no longer need that meet the material guidelines and take away materials that they can use. Surplus provides a stream of materials for art making while keeping excess materials out of the landfill.
Surplus currently operates in the 280 and Sharp buildings.
280 Building, 280 S. Columbus Dr., room 128
- Monday: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Thursday through Friday: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash Ave., room 312
- Open during shop hours
Stay up-to-date on the latest materials through the Sustainable SAIC Facebook page.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste collection bins are available in SAIC's media centers, the Sullivan Advanced Output Center and residence hall mailrooms. Used batteries, light bulbs, and small electronics can be deposited in these bins.
E-waste policy
All collected electronic waste is picked-up and processed by Sipi. Sipi provides SAIC with chain of custody information and ensures all electronic waste is handled appropriately.
Electronic Reuse - FireSale
SAIC's media center and gallery equipment are used throughout the year. Therefore, equipment is constantly updated according to community needs. This results in an excess of electronics that are no longer needed. FireSale, an event in which used electronics are sold to students for substantially reduced prices furthers this equipment's use while reducing electronic waste.
Residence Hall Move-Out
IRFM collaborates with Residence Life to provide donation collection bins in residence halls for students to donate unwanted items. In spring 2017 over 5,000 pounds of donated goods were given a second life.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is created when there is no longer a use for a hazardous material or chemical. SAIC utilizes the services of licensed hazardous waste haulers to safely dispose of chemical and biohazard wastes. Visit the EHS webpage for more information on hazardous waste disposal.
