Purdue University
OP-20: Electronic Waste Recycling Program

All e-waste items are either handled through Purdue’s Surplus and Salvage operations or contracted out to a local e-waste vendor. Both services have been certified by the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2), an accredited, third-party auditor.

Purdue’s Warehouse & Surplus Store and Purdue’s Radiological and Environment Management department have collaborated to ensure Purdue’s e-waste is handled in an environmentally responsible manner. The Warehouse “Green Program” effectively redistributes these assets where applicable, sells to the general public, then responsibly recycles all unusable electronic items. The recent purchase of a new state-of-the-art hard drive shredder will not only guarantee the security of the University’s electronic media, it will also reduce hard drive e-waste and turn a product that once cost the university to dispose of, into a recyclable product. Approximately 5,000 pounds of power cords that are cut off from machines are recycled each year. Additionally, hard drives, circuit boards, aluminum, memory sticks, and metal cases are also recycled.

E-waste recycling containers are located at the back dock of every residence hall. This waste is then picked up by a local vendor, Oscar Winski, 2217 North 9th street, Lafayette, In 47904. This vendor has been certified by the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2), an accredited, third-party auditor. In addition, this same vendor provides special pickups during Green Week and Earth Day events.