
			This is the first posting of
		 ECE FARQ (Frequently Asked Recycling Questions)

It is intended to guide you through the maze of recycling questions
that newcomers usually face when arriving. It will be posted
periodically throughout the year, but don't delay in reading it now.

		Send questions or comments to recycle@ece

Table of Contents
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*** Help With Specific Items ***
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0)    When/Where can I recycle <thing> when I'm in <place> ?
1)    What is ECE WHITE /HIGH QUALITY PAPER?
2)    Where do I throw ECE WHITE /HIGH QUALITY PAPER ?
3)    What is ECE MIXED/LOW QUALITY PAPER ?
4)    Where do I throw ECE MIXED/LOW QUALITY PAPER ?
5)    What type of paper can I *NOT* recycle in ECE?
6)    Where do I throw my <pop, soda, juice> CAN?
7)    What kind of BOTTLE can I recycle?
8)    Where do I throw my BOTTLES on campus?
9)    Where do I throw my CARDBOARD?
10)   Where do I throw my BROKEN GLASS?
11)   What can I do with used MOTOR OIL?
12)   What can I do with my old NEWSPAPER or MAGAZINES?
13)   What can I do with my old PHONE BOOK?
14)   What are the funny numbers on PLASTIC?

**********************************************************
*** General Questions and Facts to amuse your friends ****
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15)   Can I recycle windowed envelopes?
16)   What's a BROWN/GOLDEN envelope?
17)   Are paper clips and staples allowedin High Quality Paper?
18)   Where should I throw colored (copier quality) paper?
19)   Is High Quality paper with colored ink still High Quality?
20)   Can I put High Quality paper into the Low Quality bins?
21)   Can I recycle old tech reports?
22)   How much White Paper does ECE use per year?
23)   Who collects the ECE paper and where does it go?
24)   Who collects the ECE cans?
25)   What happens to my partially full soda can when I recycle it?
26)   Why is it so difficult to find a place to recycle motor oil?
27)   How do I start a compost heap?
28)   Is my Nobel-Prize-Winning paper getting stolen by the recycler?
29)   Can I bring in all my paper from home to recycle?
30)   Why are there still plastic rings on six packs?
31)   What is green bar paper?

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*** Other Places for Information ***
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32)   Who is in charge of campus recycling?
33)   Who can I contact about City Recycling?
34)   What is G.R.I.P.?
35)   What is D.E.R.?
36)   What newsgroups should I read?

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*** Help With Specific Items ***
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0) When/Where can I recycle <thing> when I'm in <place> ?

Item	       ECE	On Campus	Curbside	Somewhere local
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
White Paper    Always	By Department  	Never	    	?
Mixed Paper    Always	By Department  	Never	    	?
Aluminum Cans  Always	Public Cont    	Weekly	    	Yes
Glass Bottles  Never	Public Cont    	Weekly	    	Yes
Cardboard      Daily	By Department  	Never	    	Yes
Glass, Broken  Never	Never	     	Never	   	?
Motor Oil      Never	Occasionally   	Never	    	Yes
Newspaper      Never	Never	     	Weekly	    	Yes
Phone Books    Never	BiYearly	Never	    	BiYearly
Plastics (Some)Never	Never	     	Weekly	    	Yes
Antifreeze     Never	Occasionally	Never	    	Yes
Tin Cans       Never	Never		Never	    	Yes
Magazines      Never    Never           Never		Yes

1) What is ECE WHITE /HIGH QUALITY PAPER?

     WHITE paper from copiers and laser-printers with any color ink.
     Bond stationary with any color ink.

2)   Where do I throw ECE WHITE /HIGH QUALITY PAPER ?

     Each office should have a box into which all high quality
     paper is placed. When the box is full, contact your
     floor recycle representative (finger recycle@ece to find out who)
     and he or she will take your box and replace it with an empty one!
     The type of box is arbitrary.  If  you need one, contact recycle@ece.

3) What is ECE MIXED/LOW QUALITY PAPER ?

     Mixed / Low Quality Paper is most of the day to day paper
     which is not High Quality. Here is a mostly complete list.

        Colored Copier/Laser-Printer Paper
        White or colored envelopes with or without plastic windows
        Hamermill Paper wrappers
        Non-glossy booklets and manuals
        Tech Reports (remove covers)
        FAX/telex copy paper
        Greeting cards
        Adding machine tape
        NCR/Carbonless forms
        Post-it notes/envelopes
        Soft-covered books w/white pages (Remove cover)
        Tab/time cards
        Manilla Folders (but please re-use!)

     Finger recycle@ece for a completely up-to-date list.

     Although you can place HIGH QUALITY paper into
     the LOW QUALITY bins, please don't. See question #24
     below for the reason.

4) Where do I throw ECE MIXED/LOW QUALITY PAPER ?

     In each hallway in ECE, there is a square blue recycling
     container marked "Mixed Paper" with an imformational
     sign on it. This gets emptied weekly. Place all mixed paper
     in it.

     Some sophisticated offices have a small square blue bin
     into which mixed paper is placed. These are NOT emptied
     by the building staff, so you'll have to empty these yourself
     whenever they overflow onto your floor.

5) What type of paper can I *NOT* recycle in ECE?

     The following can *not* be recycled in either the HIGH
     or LOW QUALITY containers. Check below for
     places around the city where you can recycle it.

        Glossy Materials
        Magazines
        Newspapers
        Carbon Paper
        Lunch Bags
        Pizza Boxes
        Paper with any food waste on it
        Brown/Golden Envelopes
        Phone Books

6) Where do I throw my <pop, soda, juice> CAN?

     In all campus buildings including ECE, there are
     covered circular blue containers with circular openings.
     EMPTY your can and throw it in this container.

     There are also specially designed outdoor containers
     scattered around campus near most trash containers.
     The recycle containers are notable for the speciallly designed
     top with three marked openings for: trash, cans, and bottles.

     Most cans are now all aluminum, but even bi-metal (some steel)
     cans are acceptable. TIN cans are not acceptable.

     If you feel especially noble, crush your can before placing in the bin.
     The bins get emptied weekly and during heavy usage times they
     sometimes overflow. Crushing your can keeps you fit and
     saves space, too.

7)   What kind of BOTTLES and GLASS can I recycle?

     Brown, Clear and Green Glass.
     Wash. Remove lids and metal rings. Color separate.
     Labels may remain.

     These glass items can NOT be recycled:

          light bulbs	pyrex		windows
	  mirrors	cookware	broken glass
          plates	ceramics

8) Where do I throw my BOTTLES on campus?

     There are specially designed outdoor containers
     scattered around campus near most trash containers.
     The recycle containers are notable for the speciallly designed
     top with three marked openings for: trash, cans, and bottles.
     You can probably find the right opening if the sun's out.

     For large drop offs, there are many locations around campus:

        Physical Plant Building (by the railroad tracks)
        Hamerschlag Resident Hall (under the building by the driveway)
        Fraternity Quadrangle (by the buggy garages)
        Morewood Gardens (by the driveway behind Child Care)
        Behind Skibo (to the right of the loading dock)
        Donner Hall (behind the building)
        Porter/Baker Hall (out by the dumpsters near Frew St)
        Mellon Institute (by the loading dock) NO LAB GLASS PLEASE!!

     The School of Computer Science runs an independent program to
     collect SCS glass in Wean Hall. It is not a public program, but if
     you sneak a bottle in there and run fast, you won't get accosted.

9) Where do I throw my CARDBOARD?
     
     Take out packing material.
     Flatten. You do not have to remove staples, tape
     or plastic labels.
     
     Place cardboard by any trash container in ECE. It
     will be picked up and dealt with. Hopefully, it
     will even get crushed and recycled.
     
     Alternatively, you can place your cardboard behind
     Physical Plant. There is also a dropoff behind
     Mellon Institute.
     
     Kinds of carboard you CAN'T recycle:

     fiber board                   paper boxes
     tablet backs
     pizza boxes                   paper board
     

    If you have cardboard at home you wish to recycle, take it to:

		     American Recycling  391-3100
			    Strip District

10)  Where do I throw my BROKEN GLASS?

     Throw it in the trash. It can't be recycled. Don't hurt youself.

11) What can I do with used MOTOR OIL?
     Call D.E.R's OIL-HOTLINE 1-800-346-4242. (see below.)

12) What can I do with my old NEWSPAPER or MAGAZINES?

     Although NEWPAPER can NOT be recycled on campus,
     you can try the following places:

       CURBSIDE. If your neighborhood has curbside
       recycling, you can bundle your newpaper in a
       separate  blue Giant Eagle bag for pick up. Colored and
       Black and White. No glossy.
       
       COMMERCIAL. If they are accepting it, you can
       take your Black and White, unbundled newprint
       to:
                              
                  Atlas Recycling  431-5329
                  24th and Wharton Streets
                         South Side
                    M-F 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
       
       FARM. Some farms in the area use old newpaper
       for bedding. You might try:

			T & K Farm on Rt. 66
			Phone:	 836-5719.

         T & K is on the east side of Route 66, 4.8 miles south of
         Route 22  and 2.8 miles north of Courthouse Square in
         Greensburg. There's a big sign in front by the driveway.  


     For MAGAZINES, your best bet is an insulation maker (!):

		     Penn Pro Insulation 222-6450
			    Washington, PA

     Alternatively, you can take MAGAZINES  to the Oakland Carnegie Library 
     (Andrew's Alcove) between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and volunteers will
     take them and then resell them for a few cents to benefit
     the library.

13)  What can I do with my old PHONE BOOK?

     Phone books are not generally accepted for
     recycling in either the city or at CMU. However,
     when new phone books are delivered, you can drop
     off old phone books at some sights around CMU.
     Watch the bboards for an annoucement. Reputedly,
     the phone company will begin to collect old phone
     books when they deliver new ones.
     
14)  What are the funny numbers on PLASTIC?
     
     First of all, CMU does not recycle plastic, but
     the city does accept some in its CURBSIDE program.
     How do you  know what's okay and what's not? On
     the container (bottom), look for a triangle with a number
     in the middle of it. The number identifies the
     type of plastic. These plastics are accepted by
     the city:
     
     Number	Type                        		Examples
     1       	(PET) Polyethylene Terephthalate   	soda containers
     2       	(HDPE) High Density Polyethylene   	milk,water jugs

     Numbers 3 - 8 are NOT recyclable in the city:

     3          Vinyl
     4          Low-Density Polyethylene
     5          Polypropylene
     6	        PolyStyrene
     7          Other
     

Also try:
	       Polymer Grinding and Recycling, 228-6628
			    Washingont, PA

***********************************************************
*** General Questions and Facts to amuse your friends *****
***********************************************************

15)  Can I recycle windowed envelopes?
     
     Yep.  They are Low Quality.

16)  What's a BROWN/GOLDEN envelope?

     BROWN/GOLDEN envelopes are NOT recyclable.
     
     These are the golden envelopes we are
     sending/receiving our Campus Mail in. The paper is
     a Kraft type of paper. This is NOT to be recycled in our program.
     
     This paper contains a high amount of wood fibers
     which need special processing. There's a catch
     though - they are made from recycled materials
     which is a good thing.
     
     Please don't confuse this paper with manilla folders:
     they are okay to recycle (but you should reuse them.)

17)  Are paper clips and staples allowed in High Quality Paper?
     
     A small amount of contaminating metal is
     acceptable in High Quality paper.
     
     Staples are okay.
     Please reuse paper clips.
     
18)  Where should I throw colored (copier quality) paper?
     
     Colored paper from copiers or laser printers
     should go in the Low Quality paper bins.
     
19)  Is High Quality paper with colored ink still High Quality?
     
     Yes.
     
     However, a large amount of highlighter disqualifies
     high quality paper; you should put it into the low
     quality bin.
     
     In case you're tempted to use CRAYONS to impresss your
     advisor, go ahead. High Quality paper with crayon is
     still High Quality.

20)  Can I put High Quality paper into the Low Quality bins?

     Keep High Quality paper separate from the mixed office
     paper WHEN POSSIBLE. There is a small payback for white
     paper (there is none for mixed paper) and this will
     help our recycling effort and save money.
     
21)  Can I recycle old tech reports?
     
     Yep. Just removed the covers and you can recycle
     them in the High Quality Bin.
     
22)  How much White Paper does ECE use per year?

     At last approximate count, ECE recycles over 4
     tons of High Quality Paper per year. Besides
     recycling, reduction should be of primary concern.
     Use print previewing before printing a document
     and use double sided output when possible.
     
23)  Who collects the ECE paper and where does it go?
     
     High Quality paper is collected by ECE floor
     representatives and placed in a 98 gallon
     container which is emptied weekly by a universtiy
     recycling worker. It then goes to the a
     recycling company where it is shredded, bleached
     and made into something useful.
     
24)  Who collects the ECE cans?
     
     The can recycling containers are emptied weekly by
     a university recycling worker. However, questions
     or comments about can recycling can be directed to
     recycle@ece.
     
     PLEASE CRUSH YOU CANS  before recycling.
     

25)  What happens to my partially full soda can when I recycle it?
     
     On several occasions a river of goo has threatened
     to take over hallways in ECE. Please avoid this
     sticky situation by fully emptying your soda/pop
     can into a sink or other drain BEFORE crushing and
     recycling.

26)  Why is it so difficult to find a place to recycle motor oil?
     
     Many previous oil recycling drop offs have dried
     up because they were receiving oil contaminated
     with such unfriendly substances as antifreeze.
     Treat your recycler right and only give him/her
     good old dirty motor oil.

27)  How do I start a compost heap?
     
     Contact GRIP (Group for Recycling in Pittsburgh,
     number below) and they will send you easy to
     understand, free literature on composting in your
     own backyard.
     
28) Is my Nobel-Prize-Winning research getting stolen by the
    recycler?
    No

29)  Can I bring in all my paper from home to recycle?
     
     Although it seems like a responsible way to
     dispose of your junk mail, it actually costs the
     university to dispose of your Low Quality paper
     and so they ask you not to overburden the already
     delicate balance. Instead, why not call the city
     and ask them what they're doing about recycling
     Low Quality Paper at curbside.

30)  Why are there still plastic rings on six packs?

     The environmentally hazardous rings on six packs
     are  baffling. Every year they cause injury and
     death to sea animals which confuse them with food
     and choke or strangle themselves with these
     devices.  Furthermore, they're not generally
     recyclable.
     
     Call the CEO of Coke or Pepsi and tell them not to
     make the rings. If you do get plastic rings on
     your soda, be sure to cut through each ring before
     disposing so they are less of a threat to
     wildlife.
     
31)  What is green bar paper?
     
     This antiquated paper we all associate with
     Computer Science of the 70's is actually a
     superior high quality paper with especially long
     fibers that recycles especially well.  If you use
     this paper, it should be kept separate from even
     the High Quality Paper and you should contact the
     Universtity Recycling Coordinator (see below) to
     get rid of it.


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***** Other Places for Information *****
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32)  Who is in charge of campus recycling?

	Campus Recycling is run under the auspisces of Environmental
	Health and Safety. They have a position dedicated to recycling
	and it is currently held by:
	
	Barbara Kviz
	bk11+@andrew.cmu.edu or Recycling@andrew.cmu.edu
	x7858 
	Physical Plant Building

	Barb is extremely helpful and can answer most any question
	that we in ECE can't.

33) Who can I contact about City Recycling?
	Talk to the Mayor's Office.

34) What is G.R.I.P.?
	G.R.I.P. is the Group for Recycling in Pittsburgh. They
	can provide information on recyclers in pittsburgh, how to
 	compost, how to educate others about recycling, provide
	speakers for events,  and much more.
	Write or call them at:

	G.R.I.P
	P.O. Box 4806 
	Pittsburgh, PA 15206
	(412) 661 - 4447

	Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want
	membership information.
	
35) What is D.E.R.?
	The Department of Environemental Resources can provide
	information on recycling in your area. For example,
	to find a place to recycle your oil call the Oil Hotline
	provided by D.E.R at:
	
	OIL-HOTLINE:	(800) 346 - 4242

36) What newsgroups should I read?
	
	To keep informed about recycling and the environment be sure
	to subscribe to:

		cmu.misc.environmental-health-and-safety
		sci.environment
		talk.environment

	There is also an environmental mailing list maintained on
	campus which extracts articles from pertinent places and
	distributes them. It also provides timely politcal advice
	on environmental issues (like what Bills are currently under
	consideration in Congress.) Subscribe by mailing to:
	
	Bruce.Horn@n3.sp.cs.cmu.edu
		

	