Office of Energy & Sustainability

FAQs

Does WCM recycle?

Yes, we do! 

 

Why does my housekeepr put trash and recycling in the same receptacle?

This is done for practicality. However, trash bags and recycling bags are visually sorted (and this is why we use transparent bags) and brought to different storage locations.

What is the recycling process at Weill Cornell Medicine?

Waste management is an important part of WCM sustainability efforts. Reducing the amount of trash sent to landfills can significantly reduce greenhouse gases and pollution. Learn about the movement of our trash, various waste streams, and the WCM diversion rate here.

How do I recycle batteries?

Either submit a pickup request with EHS (check out the EHS page for instructions) or drop them off at the two batteries recycling bins located at the BRB entrance, just behing the turnstiles, and in the LC loung area on the first floor of 1300 York Avenue.

Note 1: for rechargeable batteries you'll need to submit a request to EHS for hazardouz material pick up.

Note 2: rechargeable and button cell batteries need to have their extremities taped to avoid fire. 

How do I recycle cartridges & toners?

Vendors such as HP and Xerox have their own free take back programs.

How do I recycle food waste/compost?

Here you can find a map of the Food scrap drop off location throughout the city. The 24/7 Smart Composting Bins closest to WCM main campus are located at 66th St and 1st Ave (SE corner) or 72nd St and 2nd Ave (SW corner).

We also have a compost collection bin in the Griffis Cafe' on the second floor of the 1300 York Avenue building. However, this bins is only for fruit and vegetables, coffee grounds, and napkins (no meat, fish, grease, etc.) and is composted on the Griffis green roof composter and used for the vegetable garden.  

Did you know

Recycling an aluminum can saves enough energy to run a tv for two hours or a computer for three hours.

Office of Energy & Sustainability 1300 York Avenue, LC006, Box 14, New York, NY 10065