Recycling at Westfield State

Recycling: A Simple Step Toward a Healthier Future

Nestor serves up some pumpkin pie to students for Thanksgiving in the Dining Commons

Recycling is an important practice for both legal and environmental reasons. In Massachusetts, recycling has been required since 1990, with the state continuing to expand the list of materials that must be recycled (for more details, visit the MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans page). In 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) set goals to reduce waste disposal to 4 million tons by 2030, with a long-term aim of cutting statewide waste by 90% by 2050.

At our University, all students and staff are expected to follow guidelines for proper waste and recycling disposal as outlined in University policies (see Policies - Residence Hall, Section F).

But beyond regulations, recycling is something we all can do to protect and improve the environment for today and for future generations. Together, we can make a positive impact! 

How to Dispose of Waste and Recycle at WSU

Have questions about recycling in Massachusetts? Visit Recycle Smart.

In Residence Halls

Dorm rooms have a blue recycling bin for single-stream, easy-to-recycle products (plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, and clean pizza boxes), and a beige bin for non-recyclable trash.

When dorm bins are full, students should carry them behind the dorm for disposal. The yellow-lid dumpster is for recycled materials (no sorting required), and the black-lid dumpster is for non-recyclable ("household") trash.

Dumpsters are picked up twice a week during the school year for recycling and waste disposal.

In shared dorm spaces (lounges, kitchens), look for the blue and beige bins to properly dispose of waste!

Move-Out Day Give and Take: Students should follow Move-Out Day instructions/signs for disposing of recyclable and reusable materials.

In Academic/Administrative Buildings

Hallways have yellow-lidded bins for single-stream recycling and tan circular cans for all other waste.

Classrooms have black rectangular bins for waste, and recyclables should be taken to the hallway yellow-lidded bins.

Offices have blue recycling bins (for paper); other materials should be taken to the yellow-lidded recycling bins in the hallway, with tan circular cans for all other waste.

In the evenings, these bins are picked up for waste disposal and recycling.

A bin for used batteries is available in or near most offices.

In the Dining Commons

After eating, students place all waste (plates, cups, napkins, uneaten food, etc.) on the conveyor belt in the return area. Staff sorts the materials (washable, recyclable, compostable, or throw-away) and disposes of them properly. Students can also use the "Take and Give" green meal containers for carry-out.

What is washable?

  • Plates

What is recyclable?

  • Single-stream recycling: coffee cups and lids, napkins, plastic, glass, cardboard.

What is composted?

  • Food waste, some cups, tea bags and packaging, utensils, and some trash bags.

What is thrown away?

  • Trash, plastic gloves.

What is reused?

  • Green meal containers for students.
  • Used cooking oil sent to an external party for processing/reuse.
On Campus Grounds

Bins for trash are located outside or at the entryways of most campus buildings.
Recyclable materials should be carried into the building hallways and disposed of in yellow-lidded bins or taken to recycling dumpsters behind the dorms.

What We’re Working On
  • Comprehensive Electronic Waste (e-waste)
  • Textiles collection, recycling, and disposal

Ready to Learn More About Our Sustainability Efforts?

Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Dr. Tarin Weiss
Sustainability Coordinator