Unused paint is stored until it is needed for another job. The Laundry and Dry-cleaning Plant installed two water separators that can segregate perchloroethylene from wastewater. The Defense Print Plant converted to photocopy machines and laser printers which generate less waste and expose workers to fewer chemicals. The USMA Central Power Plant upgraded a boiler to burn natural gas in addition to fuel oil. During the summer months only natural gas is burned which results in reduced emissions and potential spills.
Residents separate recyclables for weekly curbside pickup.
Offices at West Point collect white office paper, colored paper, glass bottles, plastic containers, and aluminum cans for recycling collection. In maintenance shops, batteries, antifreeze, freon, oil filters, used oil, scrap metal, and rags are recycled or reused. USMA retrofitted light fixtures under an EPA Green Lights Partnership. Green Lights is a voluntary, non-regulatory program promoting energy efficiency and reduction of air emissions from power plants through investment in energy efficient lighting. West Point accomplished the retrofits through use of an innovative contract where by the contractor makes the initial capital investment and receives a portion of the resulting energy savings in dollars.