Electronic Device Recycling

Program Background

Shippensburg University is dedicated to the responsible removal of all recyclable material on campus. The Information and Technology Services department on campus is specifically committed to the recycling of all electronic devices on campus. In the summer of 2009, as a green IT Initiative, the Information and Technology Services department began a campaign to collect and recycle all used printer toner and ink cartridges across campus. Collection containers were placed in each academic buildings as well as each residence hall.

Based on the success of this program, it was determined that the department could do even more to recycle electronic equipment for the campus community. Typically, older machines and devices are donated from Shippensburg University to other non-profit organizations. Whenever devices are too old or irreparable they had been sent to a surplus area where the university would no longer hold responsibility for their disposal. In order to take a more active responsibility in the disposal of our electronic waste, the Information and Technology Services department sent out a request for a proposal for proper recycling of this equipment. Power House Recycling was awarded the contract to recycle equipment for the university in the Summer of 2012.

Shippensburg University has properly recycled thousands of pounds of electronic waste through our contract with Power House Recycling. Countless printer cartridges have been donated to the Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (PIBH) for proper recycling and or refurbishment, with collections taking place each month across campus.

What does this mean for me?

The printer cartridge recycling portion of the program provides the opportunity to know that your university is helping to create and provide jobs for disabled workers while saving the environment from unneeded electronic waste. Through our partnership with PIBH, disabled workers are provided jobs in recycling and refurbishing old print cartridges. The contract with Power House Recycling creates an opportunity to fund further recycling efforts on campus. This contract means Power House Recycling pays Shippensburg University a few cents per pound of electronic waste. All funds associated with this program that come back to the university are placed back into recycling efforts on campus to support awareness in the form of advertising, collection containers, and other materials needed for recycling.

How can I help?

As of January 23, 2013 the state of Pennsylvania has banned the disposal of electronic waste for businesses, organizations, and consumers. Computer electronics must be recycled under the ban. Many organizations charge a fee or advertise a free drop off without explaining what happens to the electronic waste. As a member of the Shippensburg University community, you have the opportunity to recycle your old and non-working electronic equipment free of charge and know that the devices will be disposed of properly, and any funds generated go back into a great cause.

Who does the program serve?

The program is available to current university students, faculty and staff.

What can I drop off?

You can drop off any equipment that you would like to have recycled at the Shippensburg University Help Desk, in one of the two following locations:

• Faculty/Staff Help Desk - Math & Computing Tech Center (MCT) 071
• Student Help Desk - main floor of Ezra Lehman Library

We accept old desktop computers, monitors, laptops, peripherals (keyboards, headphones, mice, etc.), batteries, cellphones, tablets, game consoles, and many other items. We do NOT currently accept CRT (tube) televisions, but can accept flat-panel TVs.

Where are the drop off locations?

• Computer Electronics: You can drop off any electronic equipment that you would like to have recycled at the Shippensburg University Technology Help Desk, in either of the following locations:
• Faculty/Staff Help Desk - Math & Computing Tech Center (MCT) 071
• Student Help Desk - main floor of Ezra Lehman Library
   
• Printer Toner Cartridges:
  • Ceddia Union Building - The Slate office (third floor)
  • Ezra Lehman Library - by the lab printers
  • Franklin Science Center - Psychology Lab (first floor)
  • Gilbert Hall - vending area (first floor)
  • Grove Hall - Computer Lab (first floor)
  • Horton Hall - Women's Center entrance
  • Math and Computing Technologies Center - Computer Lab 054
  • Old Main - Stewart hall side entrance
  • Rowland/Shearer Hall - outside Rowland 200
  • Reed Operations Center - outside conference room
  • Shippen Hall - first floor hallway
  • Wright Hall - right side of entrance way