Reducing and Reusing
Reducing our consumption and finding creative ways to reuse materials is essential to achieving zero waste. Before you throw something out or buy something new, consider how you might reuse something you already have, and check out these helpful groups and resources:
Smithcycle
Beginning in 2019, we implemented our first comprehensive move-out collection program. Emmy Longnecker ‘20J inspired and led the project after seeing how many items students leave for the landfill at the end of each year. Drawing on move-out collection programs that exist on many other college campuses, Emmy designed a program specifically for Smith. While a large collection happens at the end of the year, most houses have Smithcycle bins (f.k.a. Free bins) where you can leave and take items. Read more about Smithcycle here.
Facebook Groups
This group connects members of the five college community to sell and give-away items. Don’t miss out! The City of Northampton runs this page that shares creative reuse ideas. The Queer exchange group connects member of the queer community to sell and give-away items. The Buy Nothing group promotes just that: buying nothing!
Landfill
Unfortunately, there are some items that cannot be recycled, composted, or reused. Remember, try to refuse and reduce as much as possible first! Many items that belong in the landfill are common contaminants in recycling and compost streams because people “wish” they could go there and throw by aspiration instead of information. Please put the following in the landfill bin:
See guide here: Landfill
- Solid-colored plastic cups and containers
- Plastic straws and utensils
- Hot and cold beverage lids
- Receipt paper (thermal-coated)
- Styrofoam
- Wrappers
- Plastic wrap
- Non-smith hot beverage cups
For more guidance on specific items and materials, you can always check the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility and Recycle Smart Massachusetts.