Poets Recycle

In 2008, Whittier College established the College's first successful recycling program. Since then, there have been significant improvements in turning Whittier into a "greener" campus, but there is still work to be done and you can help make a difference.

With a dedicated crew of 10, led by environmental studies major Amber Orozco ’13, making recycling convenient for students and staff is our top priority. Recycling bins are located in every campus building, and are emptied and sorted by student workers. Recycled materials include plastic, glass, aluminum cans, mixed paper (including paperboard), newspaper, batteries, cell phones and inkjet cartridges. The recycling team also aims to reduce the amount of waste produced at Whittier via public education efforts. Moreover, we work with IT Services to conduct regular e-waste collections on campus.

Recycling Tips - What is Recyclable

  • Aluminum (#41)
  • Cans
  • Metal waste
  • Lids
  • Foil
  • Mixed Paper (white and color ledger)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Blended & Cardboard
  • Computer print outs
  • Unshredded mail
  • Cereal, Shoe boxes

Clean Plastic

  • Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars (#1 PET, PETE))
  • Milk, juice and water bottles; trash and retail bags (#2 HDPE)
  • Juice bottles; cling films; PVC piping (#3 PVC)
  • Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids (#4 PE-LD)
  • Reusable microwaveable ware; kitchenware; yogurt containers; margarine tubs; microwaveable disposable take-away containers; disposable cups and plates (#5 PP)
  • Egg cartons; packing peanuts; disposable cups, plates, trays and cutlery; disposable take-away containers (#6 PE)
  • Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic casing.(#7 Other ABS)

Clean Glass

  • Unbroken glass containers (Glass is normally color sorted for recycling.)
  • Colorless jars and beverage bottles
  • Green wine/beer bottles
  • Brown and amber beer bottles

Resources & Links