Recycling

VIMS Gloucester Point Campus Recycling

The Gloucester Point campus recycles predominantly utilizing a single-stream recycling program, collecting all recyclables produced on campus at any recycling container. Recyclable materials are limited in scope, but broadly cover CLEAN glass, aluminum, recyclable plastic and cardboard.

Common items that are excluded from the bins includ dirty items (including greasy pizza boxes), plastic film, bubble wrap and styrofoam (even if it has a recycling number). Please refer to an up-to-date recycling sign (available at most receptacles) for clarification of what is recyclable.

Under this single-stream program, any recyclable materials may be recycled in any recycling receptacle. Recycling bins that have designated size/design (e.g., aluminum can recycling bin lids; cardboard containers) are for convenience only and do not require strict sorting.

Other, less-common recyclables can be recycled as outlined below.

Used batteries that were used for campus activities (i.e., not brought from home) can be dropped off with the VIMS Safety Office. For large volumes, please coordinate with them directly before dropping off.
Electronic waste, bulk waste, fluorescent bulbs or scrap metal can be picked up with a facilities service request. Facilities staff will coordinate appropriate recycling pathways.
Printer toner recycling receptacles are available across campus.
Plastic film (e.g., plastic bags) recycling is available at this time via a program offered from the Lion’s club, with a collection facility in Waterman’s hall.
Packaging materials (e.g., packing peanuts, bubble wrap) do not have a designated recycling plan, but you may reach out to Shipping and receiving to see if large volumes or boxes can be useful for other shipments, or offer unusual/useful options on VIMS Resources.

In addition to the campus recycling, Aluminum Can receptacles for the Garden Giving Foundation are available across campus, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. (https://www.thegivinggarden.org/)

For information on general recycling at W&M, visit:

https://www.wm.edu/offices/sustainability/initiatives-and-resources/recycling/

Batteries, lightbulbs, and oil recycling on W&M campus:

https://www.wm.edu/offices/ehs/waste-recycling/recycling/

Off-campus recycling resources in surrounding communities

Williamsburg:

See this website for a list of recyclables collected at three facilities in Williamsburg (James City County): https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Tewning-Road-Convenience-Center-69

The county does not currently haul trash; no central provider currently, but they are moving towards doing so. Right now, several different providers can pick up trash at your residency based on location (i.e., your HOA may have their own contract). Currently the county does have a recycling pick up (with a central hauler). However, that contract (through TFC) is only short-term and through June 30th, 2026. The county is currently in the bidding process for a long-term provider. Curbside is one bin of mixed recycles.
Self drop off at a centralized recycling center (there are four transfer centers throughout the county). Right now, they recycle glass, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles and jugs, and mixed paper. Separate by 1) mixed paper, 2) metal cans and plastic bottles, 3) glass, and 4) cardboard which is placed into the bailor (compactor).

If you need to recycle rechargeable batteries (not standard alkaline batteries), you can take them to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s. Lowe’s also accepts CFL lightbulbs and cell phones for recycling.

For e-recycling, you can take most items to your local Best Buy. Check out their website for more information about what electronics Best Buy does and does not accept for recycling in-store.

VIMS Gloucester Point Campus Recycling

For information on general recycling at W&M, visit:

Batteries, lightbulbs, and oil recycling on W&M campus:

Off-campus recycling resources in surrounding communities

Williamsburg:

Gloucester County

York County

Newport News