How to Recycle Acetate Transparencies

3M operates a recycling program for overhead projector transparencies.

3M operates an acetate transparencies recycling program for its customers who use the clear film sheets. Acetate transparencies are often used with an overhead projector. Although some businesses and schools may have a separate recycling program for items such as ink and toner cartridges, many send their discarded transparencies to 3M for recycling. For example, the state of California, Clark County Washington, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all instruct residents, employees and students to send their transparencies to 3M for recycling.

Things You'll Need

• Envelope
• Postage

Instructions

1. Go to the 3M Recycle Program page in the Resources section below to print out an optional shipping label.

2. Place used transparencies in an envelope large enough to hold them. 3M's recycling partner accepts any type of transparency film and there is no minimum or maximum number of transparencies allowed.

3. Attach the shipping label to the envelope or write the following address on the front of the envelope.

   3M Recycle Program

   c/o Gemark

   99 Stevens Lane

   Exeter, PA 18643

4. Include a return address with your name or company name so the recycling company can keep track of which regions the transparencies are received from for statistical purposes.

5. Take the envelope to the post office and mail the transparencies using any shipping class of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• If privacy is an issue, the transparencies may be shredded before shipping.

• Do not include any paper in the envelope with the transparencies.

References

• State of California: Recycling Opportunities
• 3M: Recycling Program
• 3M: 3M Transparency Film Recycling Program
• MIT: Working Green at MIT
• Clark County, Washington: Transparencies

Resources

• 3M Recycle Program shipping label