COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS

Computing equipment “e-waste” contains a lot of heavy metals and toxic materials that can seep into the water supply or poison the ground. All of these materials can be contained, and most can be reused, if they are properly disposed of. Last year, Penn recycled over 122,000 pounds of old electronic equipment through the local firm, Elemental. Visit the Green IT website [1] to learn more about how to dispose of electronics responsibly.

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) [2] provides awareness initiatives about electronic equipment that may contain heavy metals and other materials that can be hazardous to human health and the environment.

BOOK RECYCLING

We know that the knowledge that comes from reading can last a lifetime. But even the value of the physical book can extend long after you are finished with it. Using any of the below options increases the useful life-cycle of the books and reduces the likelihood that that they will end up in landfills. Sometimes these services result in saving money by allowing individuals to get cash-back for their original purchase or by making used books available for a discounted price. In other instances, the books are provided to charitable organizations that make them available to those who have need. Collectively these practices promote both sustainability AND social responsibility.

• Penn Bookstore [3]: At the end of each semester during final exam weeks, the Penn Bookstore holds its "buyback" event where you can receive up to 50% of the price paid for textbooks. This includes books purchased through other vendors. In addition to getting cash back your books could then become available for students in future semesters, providing them a more affordable textbook option.
• UA/IFC Book Bazaar [4]: Penn’s Undergraduate Assembly and the Inter Fraternity Council operate an online website where Penn students can sell their textbooks. Students can list books for sale or purchase books by searching the site by book title, author, course name, course number, and ISBN. All transactions occur outside Penn Book Bazaar. The seller can be contacted either by sending a message in the contact box (under each book) or emailing directly. Responses are sent to an individual’s Penn email address where the price and the logistics of the exchange can be confirmed.
• PennMOVES [5]: For the past four years, Penn Business Services has conducted PennMOVES, a move-out recycling and re-use drive, with the goal of reducing waste and preventing usable items from going to landfills. Since 2008, over 350,000 pounds of material has been diverted from landfills and over $65,000 has been raised for charities from the sale of these items. In 2010 Penn partnered with GoodWill industries to operate the sale and receive the proceeds. PennMOVES accepts the donation of any type of book.

In addition there are numerous agencies, both local and national that specialize in book re-use/recycling. Penn will work with these agencies to ensure that the books are processed in a manner consistent with the University goals for sustainability as detailed in our Climate Action Plan as well as for social engagement outlined in the Penn Compact.

Ink and Toner Cartridges

Business Services has joined with Telrose Corporation and Office Depot to provide easy and convenient recycling programs for all used ink and toner cartridges. Rather than shipping these cartridges individually, Telrose is consolidating shipments for the entire University. Your Telrose delivery person will pick-up used cartridges from your office, palletize them and ship them in bulk to the manufacturer. To request a pick-up of your used cartridges, or if you need a free collection box, send an email with your name, address and suite/office to support@telrosecorp.com [6]. It's easy, convenient, and free. For tips on making your purchasing decisions more sustainable visit the Green Purchasing website [7].

WRITING INSTRUMENTS

Business Services has launched a new writing instrument recycling program in partnership with Sandford, Office Depot, and Terracycle to recycle pens, mechanical pencils, markers, and highlighters.

Terracycle’s process known as “upcycling” will give new life to the Penn community’s worn out writing instruments, turning them into fun and innovative new products. All pens, mechanical pencils and markers are acceptable including Sharpies, highlighters, and dry erase markers. For every writing instrument that Penn recycles, two cents ($0.02) will be designated to the Penn Green Fund.

Business Services is now looking for volunteers to become part of the writing instrument recycling program and help set up collection points in their offices or departments. For more information on this program, or to volunteer, contact Tracy Hawkins in Business Services at hawkinst@upenn.edu [8] or 215-898-9155.

BATTERIES

Not sure what to do with all those batteries from old electronics and appliances? Take advantage of the battery recycling program at the Computer Connection on Sansom Street in University Square. In collaboration with the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS), you can take the batteries from your used laptop, mobile phone and other devices using rechargeable batteries for safe disposal and recycling. These batteries can contain mercury, lead, cadmium, lithium and other potentially harmful materials that should not be thrown away. For more information visit the Computer Connection’s website [9].

EHRS will also pick up most types of batteries for disposal (all except alkaline). To request a pickup of used batteries, visit the EHRS website [10].

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS AND BATTERIES

Batteries and CFLs are both products that are considered hazardous or universal waste. These types of products require special disposal and recycling procedures to ensure that their contents and ingredients do not harm the environment. Like other fluorescent lights, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury that is needed to make them energy-efficient. While the amount of mercury in CFLs is very small (about 5 mg), it is still considered hazardous waste and should be handled with care.

College House residents and staff can recycle their CFLs and batteries by placing them into specially-labeled white buckets located at each College House information desk.