Recycling

Despite visionary dreams of a zero-waste society, all communities continue to produce wastes for off-site disposition.  The Deerfield Academy facilities department coordinates an extensive recycling effort – from the mundane to the atypical.  We currently capture for recycling a broad range of wastes and are exploring options with our vendors to expand our programs.

• Batteries – alkaline, button batteries, rechargeable (NiCad, Lithium and lithium-ion, lead-acid)
• Computer, telephone,  and audio-visual electronics, plus wires/cords, CDs, cassettes, jewel cases
• Electrical appliances (kitchen gadgets, fans, etc)
• Refrigerant from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water coolers, etc
• Scrap metal from large household appliances
• Miscellaneous scrap metal from all sources
• Light bulbs – fluorescent bulb tubes (straight, round, u-tubes), compact fluorescent bulbs, metal halide,
• Lighting system ballasts – PCB-containing and non-PCB
• Latex paint – for re-blending by a manufacturer
• Waste oil from our grounds garage – for fuel blending
• Waste cooking oil from dining service – for bio-fuel production
• Mercury – from thermometers, thermostats, switches, etc.
• Cardboard and paper
• Bottles, cans, glass, and food containers
• Metal clothes hangers
• Laser jet toner and ink-jet printer cartridges
• Photocopier/printer cartridges and used parts
• Photo developing silver recovery
• Asphalt, brick & concrete
• Kitchen and dining food wastes for composting
• Dining Hall paper goods for composting
• Grounds department – leaves, clippings, brush, etc for composting

Emerging options we are exploring or developing new relationships:

• Gypsum wallboard
• Styrofoam packing inserts and packaging peanuts
• Bubble wrap and other plastic film packaging
• Plastic shopping bags
• Tennis balls