Sustainable Practices
At Johns Hopkins University, sustainability isn’t just a concept — it’s a way of living.
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in sustainable practices integrated throughout our residence hall experience. As a resident, you’ll be a key player in energy conservation, waste reduction, and promoting a culture of sustainability here on campus. From recycling programs and energy-efficient appliances to educational events and green initiatives, we hope to empower you to make eco-friendly choices.
Sustainable Living on Campus: Practices & Recommendations
Green Move-in
JHU Sustainability has created a green packing list for students to follow when buying supplies, decor, clothes, and personal items before arriving at Homewood.
Electricity
Turn off your laptop, monitor, printer, room lights, television, gaming system, etc. when not being used and when you leave your room.
Water
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth, wash your face and hands, shave, etc.
Reusable Products
Purchase and use reusable products including water bottles, to-go mugs, utensil set, stainless steel straws, lunch bag, snack bag, produce bag, food wrap, and more. Stock your room with reusable plates, bowls, and utensils to eliminate the need for single-use items.
Recycling
Our buildings have single stream recycling which means all recycling can go in the same recycling bin. The following items should be placed in the green recycle bin:
- Mixed office paper (envelopes with clear windows, magazines, all color copy paper, newspapers, etc.)
- Cardboard (including cereal and packaged food boxes)
- Aluminum and steel cans, clean foil
- #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs only (drink bottles, laundry detergent bottles, etc.)
Electronics can be recycled in the designated bins in the lobbies of each residence hall. Residents should erase any personal information from devices before recycling. Basically anything with a battery or cord can be e-cycled, including:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Monitors
- Printers
- Cell phones
- Batteries
- Printer cartridges
- Computer accessories
Note: All batteries must be taped on both terminal ends and separated in zip top bags by type before recycling.
Note: In the academic buildings on campus, we do separate paper and cardboard from the container recycling (metal and plastic) because more paper is generated in academic spaces and keeping it separate creates a cleaner recycling stream.
Terracycling
There are TerraCycle bins located in the lobbies of all buildings for hard to recycle items, including:
- Personal care products including cosmetic packaging like lipstick tubes, hair care packaging, and body lotion tubes
- Oral care products including toothbrushes, floss containers, and toothpaste tubes
- Energy bar wrappers, chip bags, and candy wrappers
- Writing utensils including pens and markers
Other Waste
All other waste should be placed in the gray trash (incinerate) bin. Do your best to follow the guidelines and images on the waste bins signs but when in doubt, throw it out. Contamination in our recycling and compost bins can cause the loads to be rejected. Compost, trash, and recycling bins can also be found in lobbies, kitchens and common spaces throughout all of the residence halls and academic buildings.
Ways to Get Involved
If you’re interested in getting more involved with sustainability initiatives across Homewood, please visit the Office of Sustainability website to learn more about student groups and the Sustainability Leadership Council.
Have Questions? Reach Out to Us!
If you’re looking for more information or have any questions about on-campus living at Johns Hopkins, we’re here to help. Speak directly to a member of our on-campus living team and get the answers you need.