Recycling Policy

In accordance with the regulations and policies set forth by the City of Greenfield, the Greenfield Public Library adheres to the recycling program established by the City for its residents and departments. Information regarding the City of Greenfield’s Trash, Recycling & Compost programs can be found on the City’s website or via the following links:

City of Greenfield Trash, Recycling & Compost

City of Greenfield Recycled Product Purchasing Policy
(for City Departments)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Brochure

The Greenfield Public Library is dedicated to minimizing waste and lessening our environmental footprint through proactive recycling and waste reduction efforts.

Waste Storage & Collection
Designated areas are provided for waste collection and recycling, accessible to both haulers and building occupants. These areas include:

• A gated yard adjacent to the rear patio for whole building trash and recycling.
• Exterior recycling and trash bins strategically placed at the front plaza, children's patio, sidewalks, and balcony.
• Indoor recycling and trash bins on each floor, located in regularly-occupied rooms, service desks, and the copier area.

Collection and storage areas will display posted signs with a QR code linking to educational resources provided by the City of Greenfield DPW Trash, Recycling, and Compost webpage, including the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycling" Brochure and "Beyond the Bin" materials, updated annually.

Recyclable materials:
Recyclable materials will include mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.

Electronics (e-waste)
The IT department at the City of Greenfield facilitates the removal and recycling of electronic equipment for various city departments. Below is an overview of their procedure:

1. Conduct an annual assessment to identify electronic equipment earmarked for recycling.
2. Fill out and forward a Request to Transfer/Dispose/Sell Surplus Assets to the Procurement department. Include descriptions and serial/ID numbers for each piece of equipment.
3. Remove and erase/destroy hard drives from electronic equipment as necessary.
4. Present the completed form to procurement and discuss the recycling process approach.
5. Depending on the equipment's condition, it will either be sold or disposed of.
6. If disposal is necessary, the Department bears responsibility for recycling/processing charges. For instance, there is a $20 processing charge for recycling a dead monitor.

Miscellaneous items from City Departments
Various items, including mercury-containing items, batteries, and e-waste, which City Departments are discarding, can be gathered and disposed of at the nearby transfer station with assistance from a member of the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Waste Reduction:
To minimize waste, we will avoid single-use plastic products whenever possible, prioritize eco-friendly alternatives, limit printed documents or use double-sided printing, and encourage electronic communication and documentation. Bottle fillers have been installed to promote reusable water bottles.

Education:
Employees, contractors, and visitors will receive guidance on adhering to recycling and waste practices within library facilities.

The recycling policy will be available on the Library website for reference.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, 06/11/2024
To be reviewed yearly, or as needed.