5 Surprising Things You Can Recycle on Campus

The following post is written by Lauren McKinnis, who works in NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Did you know that recycling on campus isn’t just limited to paper and soda cans. Check out some of the most surprising items you can recycle on campus:

1. Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are completely recyclable, but they CANNOT be placed into a commingled recycling stream with cans, bottles and paper.  When plastic bags are mixed in with other recyclables they can jam equipment at the recycling facility causing major backups. Good news — there is currently a recycling option on campus specifically for plastic bags! The NC State Stewards have set up four locations on campus where you can now recycle your plastic bags: inside the C-Stores in Bragaw Residence Hall, Talley Student Union, College of Textiles and the Honors Village.

2. Electronics, Batteries and Printer Ink

Have you ever seen yellow electronics recycling bins on campus?  These bins accept small electronics, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, USB devices, cords, batteries, printer ink and more. Have something larger than the bin? Contact Waste Reduction and Recycling and we’ll help you recycle it responsibly.

3. Cooking Grease/Oil

E.S. King Village and Western Manor apartments have cooking grease/oil recycling bins at each outdoor waste station. After cooking, cool your grease/oil and pour it into a container. Take the container to your nearest waste station and empty it into one of the designated Cease the Grease bins. From there, we’ll ensure it’s recycled and converted into biofuel.

4. Bottle Caps

Ever wondered whether that bottle cap can be recycled along with the plastic bottle? The answer is yes! Make sure the caps are screwed on the plastic bottles so they are not lost in the sorting process.

5. Yogurt/Margarine Tubs

Yes, these are recyclable on campus. Just place them in the can/bottle recycling bins or a commingled bin on campus.

Have more questions about what can and can’t be recycled? Check out this A-Z campus recycling guide

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