Waste Diversion: Recycling

Berea’s recycling campus-wide program began as a student-led grassroots effort in 1989 and operated as a volunteer-run program until the creation of full-time Recycling Coordinator position and a supporting labor department at Facilities Management in the early 1990’s.

The student labor team collect and recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel, and batteries from bins located in indoor and outdoor locations throughout campus.  Self-serve receptacles for collecting cell phones, inkjet printer cartridges, and toner cartridges are also available in the CPO and library.

Information Technology helps recycle electronic devices and media by partnering with an external vendor for processing. IT also works with the Computer Science Department to refurbish older laptops by installing a free operating system and donating them to schools in Eastern Kentucky through the Grow Appalachia program. Over 350 computers have been donated since 2017.

The College also minimizes the amount of waste generated by building renovations by requiring contractors to recycle/reuse as much demolition and construction debris as possible.

Here at Berea College, we pride ourselves in being mindful, practical, and responsible when it comes to taking care of ourselves and the planet. We’d like you to join us! Here you will find helpful tips about recycling at Berea College, one of the many ways we can reduce our environmental impact.