Guide to Recycling

What You Can Recycle

Most common recyclables fall into three main streams on campus. Always empty containers and remove food or liquids before recycling.

• Bottles and cans (single stream): Empty plastic containers labeled #1–7, aluminum drink cans, and metal food cans, when clean. No plastic bags, Styrofoam, foil, utensils, straws, or dirty containers.
• Paper: Office paper, envelopes, file folders, magazines, books, junk mail, paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes), and dry paper packaging. No paper towels, napkins, tissues, or items with food or oil.
• Cardboard: Clean, dry corrugated boxes broken down flat, with all packing materials removed. Cardboard goes behind paper roll carts, not in paper bins.

For more information, see our comprehensive list of what you can recycle.

Where and How to Recycle

Indoor recycling is located in academic buildings, residence halls, dining areas, and offices, with containers sized for desks, workrooms, and common spaces. Outdoor bottle-and-can bins are placed at high-traffic locations such as Alkek Library, LBJ Student Center, the Quad, and bus loops.

• Use indoor paper bins for paper and paperboard; place flattened cardboard behind the large paper carts.
• Use any bin labeled with the plastic bottle and aluminum can sticker for bottles and cans.
• Outdoor blue bins are for empty plastic bottles (base wider than top) and aluminum cans only; no tin cans, plastic bags, or other plastics.

Special Materials and Exceptions

Some materials require special handling and must not go into standard recycling bins.

• Toner cartridges from university printers: Collected by the Recycling Program via request or from designated pickup points.
• Personal batteries, inkjet cartridges, cell phones: Managed by Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management, not by Facilities recycling.
• Compact fluorescent bulbs and rechargeable/specialty batteries: Also handled through Risk Management because of fire and hazardous-waste concerns.
• University-owned electronics, furniture, and wood pallets: Recycled via Materials Management surplus processes; personal items of these types are not accepted.

Drop-Off and Service Requests

The Recycling Center on west campus (near 602 Moore St.) serves as a materials drop-off location and operational hub. Campus users who generate larger loads or special items can coordinate directly with the program.

For bulk cardboard, large paper clean-outs, or special pickups (including shredded paper in clear bags), contact the Recycling Center or submit a “Recycling Pick Up” request through ReADY Request.

General recycling service issues or container requests should also be submitted via the ReADY Request website under the appropriate Facilities category.