Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, enough energy to power a house for 6 months.
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has enacted a mandatory composting program for residential buildings. Beginning Wednesday, January 1, 2025, WCM students will need to separate food scraps and food-soiled paper products and bring them to a dedicated brown bin. Examples of food waste and food-soiled paper include meat, bones, dairy, fruit, vegetables, prepared foods, and uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes.
Please review the DSNY’s complete composting guidelines and note brown bins for composting can be found in the following locations:
- Lasdon House: Lasdon/Belfer Terrace
- Olin Hall: Patio
- 77th St Building: Basement (coming soon)
In addition to the new composting program, DSNY recycling rules remain for residential buildings: paper and cardboard must be placed in the green bin; metal, glass, plastic, and cartons belong in the blue bins (while non-residential buildings have a commingled recycling program). Please continue to keep clean recycling separated from the trash.
Your compliance with these rules is important and helps WCM avoid fines from the City.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Energy and Sustainability at WCM-Sustainability@med.cornell.edu.
Brown compost bins: Lasdon House Terrace (left) and Olin Hall patio (right).