University Services is committed to reducing Washington University’s environmental impact through the services we provide. Explore how our units are integrating sustainable practices into their daily operations and long-term planning.
Mail & Receiving Services
Office Supply Exchange
The Office of Sustainability partners with Mail Services on the Office Supply Exchange program designed to facilitate the recirculation of useful office materials for WashU employees with access to internal mail circulation routes.
Learn more about the Office Supply Exchange Program 🡢
Sample items found through the exchange program:
Binders & desk organizers
Office paper
Paper clips & push pins
Memo pads & sticky notes
Pens & Pencils
Staples and staplers
Tape and tape dispensers
File folders (in good condition)
Envelops (plain and intra-office)
Mailing labels
Computer mic & speakers
Keyboards, power cords & lamps
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management is committed to limiting the university’s environmental impact by encouraging the purchase of environmentally conscious products and services.
Get sustainable purchasing guidance on recommended products and services with our Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines.
Environmental Accomplishments
- Eliminated bottled water on campus
- Remanufactured Ink Cartridges
- Instituted a light replacement program
- Use Green Seal cleaning products where applicable
- Reuse of furniture
- Use custodial paper products with recycled content
- Use compostable break room supplies
- Change/reduce supplier product packaging
- Consolidated supplier deliveries
- Added RFP language encouraging environmentally preferred products
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint/varnishes
WashUReuse Surplus Property Program
Discover, exchange, or donate surplus equipment, supplies, and furniture through the WashU Reuse Platform. Open to faculty, staff, and students, the platform reduces waste and supports sustainable resource sharing. Users must follow their department’s Surplus Property Exchange policy before posting items.
Access the WashU Reuse Platform 🡢
Additional Resources:
| Equipment Disposal | Bill of Sale Disclaimer Form |
| Common Weights & Values Reference Chart | WashUReuse FAQ |
Toner and Ink Cartridge Recycling Programs
Supply Chain Management coordinates programs for toner and inkjet cartridge recycling with several different preferred vendors. See procedures and what each vendor offers below.
Danforth, North, West and Satellite Campuses should:
- Package the used toner cartridge into the new toner box and mark it OE Toner Empty Recycle.
- The Office Essentials driver will pick up marked boxes when delivering their next order.
- Or contact OE Customer Care at customerservice@offess.com or call (314) 432-4666 to arrange a pickup.
Medical Campus:
- Package used toner cartridge into the new toner box and mark it OE Toner Empty Recycle.
- Send marked boxes to your assigned dock for the Office Essentials driver to pick them up.
- Bring Canon brand inkjet and toner cartridges to a WashU FedEx location:
- Danforth Campus: 6465 Forsyth Boulevard (inside the Mallinckrodt Building).
- Medical School Campus: CSRB Link, 4939 Children’s Place, Suite 2231, Saint Louis, MO 63110
- Order a prepaid shipping label and send it back using the instructions below.
- Package your used toner cartridge into your new toner box.
- Order a pre-paid shipping label online.
- Canon requests that you return more than one item in a box by bundling multiple Canon boxes together securely with tape or using your own large box. Seal and ship.
- Register for a Customer ID at Konica New Customer Registration. Select “Single Label Program”.
- Package your used toner cartridge into your new toner box.
- Order pre-paid shipping labels from Konica New Customer Registration. Seal and ship.
- Email SumnerOne (Copying Concepts) at stlsupplies@sumnerone.com to request a toner recycling box to be sent to you.
- Add your empty Kyocera toner containers until the box is full. Seal and ship.
- Order an envelope or box at www.hp.com/recycle or call (800) 340-2445. Each return envelope/box comes with a pre-paid shipping label.
- Fill up to (6) HP cartridges in one returnable box and mail. Seal and ship.
- Order a kit of (3) Eco Boxes at www.xerox.com/perl-bin/product.pl?mode=recycling. Each Eco Box can hold 5-30 used cartridges. The Eco-Box has a pre-paid shipping label.
- Package your used toner cartridge into your new toner cartridge box.
- Place the returnable cartridge box in the Eco Box. There is a minimum requirement of 5 used toner cartridges per Eco Box before returning the Eco Box to Xerox.
- Once at least 5 cartridges have been collected, ship the Eco Box via UPS. UPS delivery options include:
- Handing the Eco-Box to a UPS driver when they deliver to your location.
- Drop off the Eco-Box at any UPS location or UPS Store.
- Schedule a pick-up by calling (800) PICK-UPS (742-5877) or schedule online at www.ups.com. Indicate to UPS that this is a “Pre-paid return shipment.”
Electronic Purchases
Unless cost-prohibitive, purchase Energy Star electronics when available and suitable for your product needs. Contact Supply Chain Management for help making sustainable electronic purchases.
Parking & Transportation
Optimize your commute with WashU’s smart, sustainable, and affordable transportation solutions. Access a variety of programs, resources and support to discover the best way to get to campus.
Learn more about smart commuting 🡢
If you’re using an electric vehicle for your commute, learn where you can charge it on campus.
Dining Services
WashU Dining Services is committed to sustainable practices, reducing food waste, and supporting environmentally conscious sourcing.
Learn more about Dining Services’ commitment to sustainable practices 🡢.
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