Although advances in technology facilitate daily functions, computers and other informational technology are an enormous strain on the environment. The Information Technology Services (ITS) at Boston College are mitigating these effects by replacing outdated equipment, and preventing further harm by instituting energy saving standards for new purchases. Visit the ITS website for more information. Additional pro-environmental actions are being implemented around campus, including a limit on student printing.
Computers
OUT WITH THE OLD
As part of the Boston College Computer Replacement program, workstations for faculty and staff are refreshed every four years. The process replaces outdated workstations with current configurations. The old computers are sent back to Dell where they reuse and recycle the material. Visit the BCCR website to learn more.
Boston College also offers a computer removal program. ITS and Facilties Services work together to accommodate the pick-up and removal of old or broken computer related electronics (printers, monitors, etc.) from faculty and staff offices so the material can be transferred to places of proper reuse and disposal. Before computers are recycled, any sensitive data is removed from the hard drive.
Boston College provides recycling of ink cartridges and batteries as well. To dispose of Laser Printer Toners, follow the "Software & Hardware" link on the Help Center Website and fill out the "laser printer toner recycling pick up request form." White boxes are located throughout the residential halls for students to recycle their used ink jet cartridges as well as batteries.
For all other recycling needs, please visit our Recycling Page or see below for details on recycling electronics.
IN WITH THE NEW
As vendors are selected for equipment purchases for the BC Computer Replacement Program, the Request for Purchases (RFPs) include a section requesting vendor data on the energy rating and energy consumption of each unit.
Printing
Stop the Press
As of August 6, 2007, students can print 500 pages per semester for free. Once the quota is reached, students’ Eagle Bucks account will be charged 3 cents per page. Although this limit has met some frustration with thesis-writing seniors (see Heights article below), the hope is that with the new program, students will think twice before printing something that in the long run will waste unnecessary amounts of paper as well as toner and electricity. Due to exponential increases in paper and toner costs, and the volume of printing being done, it became necessary to look for ways to conserve. Visit the Student Printing Policy’s website for answers to frequently asked questions.
See what The Heights has to say about the printing allocation:
BC to Limit the Student Printing to 500 Pages (May 3, 2007)
University Should Increase Print Limit (October 4, 2007)
Students, faculty and staff can easily conserve paper by printing double sided and reducing margins.
Recycling
USED INK CARTRIDGES & BATTERIES
When its time to replace the ink in your printer, bring the used cartridge down to your building’s laundry room where you will find a white box on the wall labeled “Ink Cartridge Recycling” to place it in. While you’re at it, bring along those dead batteries from your camera and toss them into the white “Battery Box” next to the “Ink Cartridge Recycling” box. For more information on recycling batteries on campus click here. To dispose of Laser Printer Toners, click here and fill out the appropriate forms.
COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS
Not sure what to do with that old busted printer? Bring it to Information Technology Services (ITS) and have them recycle it for you. For more information see our “Out with the Old” section of our Information Technology Page or visit our Special Recycling page. Through the Asset Recovery Program, the IT Department recycled over 6,600 computers for fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Imagine how much space that would have taken up in a landfill.
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
Not sure what to do with that old TV now that you have a new high power, HDTV? What about those old light bulbs? Fortunately, many companies are accepting back their older products for recycling. Sony and Best Buy are some of the companies that allow you to bring in, drop off, or mail in used electronic equipment. See a list of companies with take back programs, courtesy of The Electronics TakeBack Coalition. If you are unsure how to recycle your electronics, it’s always best to return to the manufacture for details.
Other organizations have formed specifically to facilitate electronics recycling. Examples include ElectronicsRecycling.com, Earth 911, EPA Bulb Recycling. These sites help you find a local recycling drop off center, advertise recycling events, and tell you what can and cannot be recycled. Although it may take a few extra steps to recycle your electronics and gadgets, the toxins prevented from going into landfills as the equipment decays will help secure the environment and humanity’s longevity.