Custodial & Recycling Services

Waste bins on campus are color-coded by waste type. It is important to learn which color is associated with each waste stream. Below are the colors of the different types of bins on campus and what goes into each.

Blue: Paper and cardboard (non-food or beverage-related)

Green: Plastic #1-2 and metal

Yellow: All food products, food and beverage paper products, and compostable plastics #7

Grey: All other trash

Using the correct bin is important because contamination (i.e., recyclable plastic mixed in with compostable food items) can reduce the quality of the downstream material and lead to our recycling or compost being rejected at the MRF.

Not all plastics have equal value, but to make recycling easier, many communities were told to put all types of plastics into recycling bins. When the value of the recycling commodities decreased, it cost facilities too much to sort out and dispose of lower-value plastics #3-6, so now we are only accepting plastics #1-2, bottles, and jugs.

All non-food or beverage-related paper should be recycled in the blue bins found on campus. This includes all copy paper (white and color), envelopes, file folders, magazines, newspapers, brown paper bags, post-it notes, cardboard, and paper board (cereal boxes, etc. Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed. Large cardboard boxes should be flattened with packaging materials removed and placed next to the recycling bin.

Food and beverage-related paper should be composted, not recycled. These items are likely contaminated with food, which is troublesome for MRFs, and often this kind of paper is not high enough quality to recycle.

All food items, including meat and oil products, coffee grinds, tea bags, compostable food, and all beverage containers sold in Homewood campus cafes and coffee shops (identifiable by a #7, PLA, “eco” product, or corn symbol), food-related paper products (disposable cups, plates, napkins, to-go containers), compostable utensils (off-white and marked compostable), and pizza boxes should be placed into the yellow slim jims or designated compost receptacles in the dining facilities.

Fortunately, much of what you generate on campus is compostable or recyclable; however, there are still some items that we don’t accept for recycling or composting. This includes glass, plastic #3-6, polystyrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam), plastic bags, chip bags, candy wrappers, condiment packets, single brew coffee cups (e.g., Keurig cups), ceramics., and non-container-glass.

Remember, there are special programs for the highlighted items listed above, so while they cannot go in the standard recycling bins, students and staff can collect them separately for recycling.

We know recycling can be confusing and sometimes stressful, so we hope the information provided above has made it easier. However, it is important to reduce contamination in the bins as much as possible, so when in doubt, throw it out (into the incinerate bin).

All the waste generated on campus is transported to the appropriate waste management facility. Below is a list of facilities matched to each waste stream.

Compost – Western Branch Composting Facility, Upper Marlboro, MD
Trash – Wheelabrator Incinerator in Baltimore, MD
Paper and Cardboard – Encore Recycling, Laurel, MD
Commingled (Metal & Plastic) – Goode Companies, Temple Hills, MD
Electronics – HiTECH, Oklahoma City, OK
Terracycle – Terracycle Headquarters, Trenton, NJ

Homewood Recycling has a Facebook page and an Instagram account, so please follow us to learn more and stay up-to-date on waste reduction and diversion tips and events. We also have videos on YouTube about several programs.

No, this form is only for waste and recycling services on the Homewood campus. Please contact your campus facilities office for information about waste services on your campus.

Homewood Recycling can provide a plethora of recycling services, including:

• Bulk recycling pickup
• Large volume bin delivery (specify the type of material you are disposing of)
• Large volume bin removal (specify the type of bin to be picked up)
• Large volume bin empty and return (specify the type of bin to be swapped out)
• Biohazard supply delivery
• Deskside bin delivery (specify type: trash or recycling)
• Hallway or office bin delivery (specify type: trash, paper, metal/plastic, or compost)
• Furniture removal
• Furniture purchase
• Other recycling pickups

Please email us at [email protected] if you are unsure of the type of service you require.

Staff can collect the following items for recycling:

• Film Plastic – any plastic that is stretchy, like Amazon packaging, grocery bags, shrink wrap, etc.
• Polystyrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam) – Only white #6 rigid polystyrene should be collected. Any other type of foam should be placed in the incinerate bin. This includes any other number or color foam and peanuts.
• TerraCycle is a program that allows you to recycle items that are not accepted in traditional recycling bins. The following categories of items are accepted:
  • Writing utensils: Pens, pencils, markers
  • Food packaging: Snack and chip bags, energy bar and candy wrappers,
  • Oral care: toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, floss containers,
  • Skin care packaging: lip balm tubes and caps, soap dispensers and tubes, body. Wash caps, lotion dispensers and caps.
  • Hair care packaging: shampoo caps, conditioner caps, hair gel tubes, and caps, hair spray triggers, and hair paste caps. Please note #1 and 2 bottles are accepted in Homewood Recycling and your local recycling bins.
  • Cosmetic packaging: lipstick & lip gloss tubes, mascara tubes, eye shadow & cases, liquid and powder foundation packaging, eyeliner and lip liner pencils, etc.

Submit a request for pickup and please specify the type of material in the description of your request.

The Hop Reuse Hub, coordinated by the Homewood Recycling Office, offers a closed-loop for usable campus furniture. If you have unwanted furniture, request a pickup. If you need to purchase furniture, contact the Homewood Recycling Office at [email protected].

All computers and computer-related equipment, including monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, cell phones, cords, external drives, toner cartridges, all electronics, and all types of batteries, can be dropped off at the Recycling Office at Wyman Building 3 or a request can be submitted for pick up. Generally, if it has a power button, you can recycle it. Please select large volume bin delivery for large electronics pick-ups in the drop-down on the request form. We will bring the cart for you to fill and pick it back up when you finish.

The Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus accepts all battery types for recycling. Please follow the procedures outlined below to ensure we follow EPA safety requirements, as batteries can catch fire if not properly handled.

• All batteries must have the terminals taped using clear masking or electrical tape, regardless of type.
• Batteries must be separated by type and placed in a bag or box labeled “Used Batteries” and include the type, e.g., Alkaline, Lithium-Ion, Lithium, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiHMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), etc. Check the side of the battery for type.
• Batteries can be taped individually, or you can tape smaller batteries together, provided terminals are covered.
• Contact the Homewood Recycling Office to recycle lead-acid batteries.

These procedures must be followed to be able to remove the batteries for recycling.

Staff can submit a request for pickup of binders, folders, staplers, and other surplus office supplies. The Homewood Recycling Office will donate the items to JHU’s School of Education for distribution to local teachers and the Baltimore Teacher Supply Swap.

Yes! Compost bins can be requested for your event by filling out the Event Support Request Form. There is no charge for Zero Waste events, meaning all the waste generated at the event is either compostable or recyclable.

This can be done simply by choosing a JHU Preferred Green Caterer. Caterers on JHU’s Preferred Green Caterer list provide compostable service ware at no extra charge. This list and more zero-waste planning tips can be found in the Homewood Zero Waste Events Planning Guide. When booking your caterer, please confirm that they will bring only compostable service ware items.

We also have PowerPoint slides for use in presentations (w/ recycling and compost or just compost) and educational table tents for use at zero-waste events. Email us at [email protected] If you have additional questions about hosting a Zero Waste event.

Yes, signs are available for print.

Yes, a limited number of items are accepted for recycling from laboratory environments if they have not been exposed to biological, chemical, or radiological contamination. Labels must be defaced or removed. Items from BSL III labs are not acceptable. Materials from labs must be collected within the lab and disposed of in designated bins in the hallway. You can request a recycle bin for your lab by filling out the Recycling Request Form or using your own bin, but it must be clearly labeled “Recycle.” Please read the full HSE guidance on recycling in labs.

Biohazard material must be disposed of in red bags and placed inside biohazard boxes only. Boxes, bags, and tape can be requested using the Recycling Request Form. Select “biohazard supply delivery” and indicate specifically what you need in the notes section.

*Due to a high demand of biohazard boxes, no more than two (2) biohazard boxes can be requested at a time.

1. All biohazard boxes must be properly sealed inside each laboratory. Proper closure includes:
   1. Tying closed each red bag placed inside a biohazard box.
   2. Sealing completely all seams on top and bottom of each box.
   3. Labeling each box with a marker, lab name, building name, room number, and telephone number.
   4. Ensuring the box is dry, and the bag is not leaking or has any wet spots or stains.
   5. Making sure the box is free of bulging, punctures, or open gaps.
2. Boxes must be under 40 lbs.
3. Leave sealed boxes at the appropriate location outside your lab for collection by the custodial staff.
4. Collection of boxes is not conducted during inclement weather, specifically snow or rain, so boxes may be left inside the building until conditions are dry.
5. If boxes are wet, not taped, items sticking out, broken, or not in good condition, they will not be picked up. If a box leaks after it is picked up, a lab will be notified to repackage it.

No, this form is only for waste and recycling services on the Homewood campus. Please contact your campus facilities office for information about waste services on your campus.

At least three types of bins can be found at all Hopkins spaces: Recycling (Green), Compost (Yellow), and Incinerate (Grey). Depending on their specialties, spaces may contain fewer or additional bins, as explained below.

Academic Buildings: Academic buildings on the Homewood campus have a dual-stream recycling program with separate paper and cardboard recycling collection in blue bins and container recycling (metal and plastic containers) collection in green bins. The reasons for this are 1) the university sometimes receives revenue for recycling paper and cardboard, 2) keeping paper separate ensures a higher quality raw material to make a new product, and 3) separating materials allows for greater flexibility in where we send our recycling.

Residence Halls: Residence halls have a single-stream recycling program, which means paper, cardboard, and metal and plastic containers can be put in one recycling bin. This helps save space in the dorms where little paper is generated. Residence Halls also have collection bins for electronics (basically anything with a battery or a cord) and TerraCycle (which includes energy bars and candy wrappers, snack bags, empty makeup containers, old pens, and used toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes).

Yes! All residence halls have compost bins available. They may not be at every waste station, so locate the most convenient one. Please contact the Housing Operations Office if you would like to recommend additional bin locations for your residence hall.

If you live in a suite with a kitchen, you can request a small countertop bin from the Housing Operations Office to store compostable material until full and then dispose of it in the nearest common compost bin on your floor.

Use this handy cheat sheet to help you remember what can be composted:

Yes, you can. In fact, if you host a zero-waste event in which only compostable disposables are provided, there is no charge for the compost and recycling bins. There is a charge for events that are not zero waste, so save money by choosing a Preferred Green Caterer. To request event support, please complete the request form at least 48 hours before your event. Please email us at [email protected] if you have additional questions about hosting a Zero Waste event.

TerraCycle is a program that collects and turns hard-to-recycle items into new products. While Terracycle items cannot go in the hallway recycling bins, students can place the following items in the designated bins in the lobbies of their residence halls:

• Writing utensils: Pens, pencils, markers
• Food packaging: Snack and chip bags, energy bar and candy wrappers,
• Oral care: toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, floss containers,
• Skin care packaging: lip balm tubes and caps, soap dispensers and tubes, body wash caps, lotion dispensers, and caps.
• Hair care packaging: shampoo caps, conditioner caps, hair gel tubes and caps, hair spray triggers, and hair paste caps. Please note #1 and 2 bottles are accepted in Homewood Recycling bins.
• Cosmetic packaging: lipstick & lip gloss tubes, mascara tubes, eye shadow & cases, liquid and powder foundation packaging, eyeliner and lip liner pencils, etc.

Contact the Housing Operations Office.

The Homewood Recycling Office does employ a small number of students. If you are interested in working with us, please email us at [email protected].

We love working with student groups to collaborate on events and projects, so if you are interested, please email us at [email protected].

The Homewood Recycling Office is on Facebook and Instagram, and we post helpful videos on YouTube.

Funded by the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering, the HRH is primarily for the greater Homewood campus. All JHU divisions may acquire furniture from the HRH; however, receiving furniture from other divisions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The HRH has a large selection of quality desks, bookcases, chairs, credenzas, filing cabinets, tables, whiteboards, bulletin boards, and other office furniture. You can view and request available furniture online. Please note that to view the furniture inventory and reserve items, you must be connected to the Johns Hopkins network. You can also email the Homewood Recycling Office, [email protected], for the most up-to-date inventory.

The HRH is located at 2817 E. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21213.

We do not charge for furniture; however, the department is responsible for transportation of the furniture. This may involve hiring a 3rd party moving company in which case the costs incurred would be the responsibility of the department.

Departments on the Homewood campus will be charged the hourly recycling labor fee for the removal of unwanted furniture from campus. These fees are charged in order to help recover our costs and ensure that we can continue to successfully achieve our mission.

You can visit the furniture inventory and search for items you are looking for from the following categories: Boards, Bookshelves, Cabinets, Chairs, Desks, Tables, and Miscellaneous.

To request an item, select “reserve” on the screen. When you are ready to submit your order, select the cart at the top right-hand side of the screen. This will open up a form for you to complete. You’ll be asked to enter your JHED. Submitting the form does not ensure that you will receive the requested furniture, but it does reserve it for you. The Homewood Recycling Office will contact you to confirm your request and coordinate pick-up.

Please note that to view the furniture inventory and reserve items, you must be connected to the Johns Hopkins network.

The Homewood Recycling Office does not delivery furniture. Departments are responsible for transportation and can hire and pay an outside mover to deliver furniture. Below is a list of local companies that are familiar with our program and can provide moving services:

A-L Abatement, Inc

Broadway Transport Services

Hoffberger Moving Services

Von Paris Moving and Storage

Please note that furniture pickups must be coordinated with the Homewood Recycling Office. Furniture can be picked up by individuals but labor is not provided.

We encourage you to carefully review the photographs and descriptions of the items on the inventory website and ask the Homewood Recycling Office questions prior to reserving. Dimensions and the condition of the items are provided. You may also join your movers at the warehouse on the day of your furniture move, so that you can view your requested items in person and make changes to your order as needed. If you are still unsatisfied, unwanted items can be returned to the warehouse at the department’s expense.

If you are on the Homewood campus, you can submit a request for furniture removal. The Homewood Recycling Office will pick up manageable quantities of furniture and office supplies at the hourly recycling labor fee. If you have large items, very heavy items, or a large quantity of pieces, you will need to hire an outside moving company (see above). When you submit a furniture removal request, please include photographs of the items and a brief description so we can advise you on the best way to proceed.

Please note that you must be connected to the Johns Hopkins network to submit a recycling request.

Furniture will be accepted from departments not located on the Homewood campus on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Homewood Recycling Office at [email protected] to discuss.

Lighting, refrigerators, scrap metal, and electronics are not acceptable. The Homewood Recycling Office can pick up all of these materials, except lighting, from departments located on the Homewood campus only, using the Recycling Request Form. Collection of lighting should be directed to the Electric Shop using the Service Request Form.

Please note that you must be connected to the Johns Hopkins network to submit a request.

We encourage you to first browse the surplus furniture available on your own campus first. See below for a list of campus furniture contacts. If you are unable to find pieces to suit your needs through their program, we are more than happy to serve you.

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Donations

The Hop Reuse Hub frequently donates furniture to local nonprofits. To date, we’ve donated over 1,500 items. To learn more about Hop Reuse Hub donations, please contact the Homewood Recycling Office at [email protected].