Choosing the Correct Bin
New: Updated printable signs with dining-specific guidance (.pdf)Photo Credit: Mary Fischer
Recycling has changed dramatically over the past few years. New rules of thumb are:
- When in doubt, throw it out.
- Keep recycling clean.
- No plastic bags or plastic film, except in grocery store collection boxes.
- No cords, ropes, hoses, or anything that can tangle.
Not Sure? Ask Recyclopedia!
Which Bin Should I Choose?
General guidance by material type is below. For guidance specific to campus dining, see our guide to take-out packaging.
Item | Recycle, Compost or Trash? |
---|---|
Aluminum beverage and food cans | Recycle |
Batteries | Recycle (a) |
Cardboard boxes, file folders, poster board | Recycle |
Cardboard pizza boxes | Recycle or compost (b) |
Carryout/takeout non-compostable containers | Trash |
Certified compostable products | Compost |
Coffee and tea pods | Trash |
Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags | Compost |
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) | Recycle (a) |
Disposable non-compostable cups and lids | Trash |
Electronic waste | Recycle (c) |
Food scraps | Compost |
Hangers of any type | Trash |
Ink, toner cartridges for large multifunction printers | Recycle (d) |
Paper, newspapers, magazines, phonebooks, paperback books, etc. | Recycle |
Paper food cartons and milk/juice cartons | Trash |
Paper napkins and towels | Compost |
Plastic grocery bags | Trash (if on campus, or bring to your grocery store to recycle) |
Plastic lids and straws | Trash |
Plastic packing materials such as bubble wrap or air pillows | Trash (if on campus, or bring to your grocery store to recycle in the plastic bag recycling) |
Plastic non-compostable utensils | Trash |
Plastic water bottles, soda bottles | Recycle |
Polystyrene (Styrofoam) cups, containers or packing material |
Trash |
Pots and pans | Trash |
Umbrellas | Trash |
Photo Credit: Infographic by Maggie Del Re