In fiscal 1992-93, the Institute recycled 335 tons of material including pallets, yard waste and scrap metal, Ms. Combs said. Those commingled items aren't yet recycled at the Stratton Student Center, but Physical Plant is trying to formulate plans to do so, Ms. Combs said. The student center now recycles only white paper, largely because the loading dock is so small that there is little room for the additional bins that would be needed for recyclables. Concerns about possible odors and rodents preclude storage of empty food containers indoors, she noted. After they leave MIT, many of the recycled items go to a plant in Charlestown, where they are sorted and taken away for marketing.
White paper goes to a facility in Canada.
MIT currently doesn't generate enough volume of recycled goods to realize a profit from selling them, and some items cost money to dispose of, Ms. Combs said. However, savings are realized from reducing the amount of non-recyclable waste the Institute must pay to have removed, so the program as a whole roughly breaks even, she said. The housing office runs its own recycling program for the dormitories. Anyone wishing a white paper receptacle can call Ms. Combs at x3- 7671.