Green Tips: Office recycling best practices and reminders

by Len White for the University Libraries Green Team

The Penn State University Libraries Green Team was created to provide leadership for “green” initiatives and to promote environmental sustainability in the University Libraries. Recent initiatives include Cleanup Day, recycling efforts, reducing waste at University Libraries events, offering green options for supplies orders, and outreach efforts to Libraries departments and other University green committees and groups.

This month’s Green Tip focuses on best practices for recycling University property or offering personal items through “opportunity” emails.

University Property:
Office supplies and furnishings that are no longer needed can be offered to other Libraries departments through the Libraries’ listservs. As these are not personal items, they can be offered without an “Opportunity” tag in the subject. A reminder should be noted within the body of the text that these items are University property and are to be reused somewhere within the Libraries. A thorough description of furniture and fixtures with dimensions, condition, color, and even a picture, is your best way to find your item a perfect new home.

Shipping cost may be incurred by a department interested in larger offerings (too big to be sent via interoffice mail), especially if they have to move between buildings/campuses.

If items are not claimed within a reasonable timeframe, or they need to be removed right away, please contact Facilities via the Help Desk for disposal through *Lion Surplus.

Personal Items:
If you’ve been in the Libraries for any length of time, you more than most likely have seen the “Opportunity” emails from other employees. You can get some great deals on some interesting things, but in case you would prefer not to receive these emails, “opportunity” is always the first word in the subject line. This is done so that anyone not wanting to receive these emails can easily filter them to a junk folder. Personal furnishings, decorations, small appliances, and electronics are to be taken back home when they are no longer needed or must be disposed of. As always, personal recycling to include batteries, CFL light bulbs, electronics, and small appliances are not to be brought into work for disposal. These items should be disposed of through your local municipality’s recycling locations. Find a recycling center near you by checking this website!

*Lion Surplus:
Lion Surplus is a store that handles the removal of University-owned equipment in environmentally responsible ways, such as sales, bids, and auctions. The store is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Store inventory constantly changes and includes a wide variety of items. Lion Surplus routinely carries desks, chairs, cabinets, computer hardware, desk accessories, office equipment, electronics, scientific equipment, and much more.

Lion Surplus also hosts several auctions each year and routinely places items on eBay, LabX, and GovDeals.com.

Lion Surplus is located at the corner of Services Road and Big Hollow Road, and can be found on Google Maps linked at the bottom right of its Contact Us page. Payment methods accepted include cash, personal checks, credit and debit cards.

Hours
Monday-Friday
6:30 a.m.-5 p. m.
Closed weekends and University holidays