What is Recyclable?

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We have a source separated recycling program at Auburn University. There are separate bins for recycling mixed paper and recycling mixed containers (plastic bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans), along with dumpsters for recycling cardboard. There are options to dispose of other special wastes.

After you put your paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and steel cans into the appropriate recycling bin, it is collected, sent to recycling facilities then on to manufacturers where new products are created from recycled goods. When you purchase products made from recycled materials you are “closing the loop.”

Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into resources. Benefits include conserving natural resources, saving energy, preventing pollution, and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Plastics −

Acceptable plastics should be placed in any recycling bin labeled “Bottles & Cans.”

✓ Acceptable

Plastic Containers #1–7

✗ Not Acceptable

Polystyrene (Styrofoam™)
Plastic Film (grocery bags, case wrap)*
Plastic Utensils or Straws
Food or Food Contaminated Items

*Special collection bins exist on campus. See Other Materials.

Mixed Paper +

Acceptable paper should be placed in any recycling bin labeled “Mixed Paper.”

✓ Acceptable

Office Paper
Notebooks
Paperback Books
Hardback Books
Magazines
Paperboard (ex. cereal boxes)
Paper Bags
Shredded Paper (in a clear bag)
Sticky Notes

✗ Not Acceptable

Tissues or Napkins
Paper Towels
Paper Plates or Paper Cups
Food or Food Contaminated Items
Plastic or Wax-Lined Paper

Cardboard +

Acceptable cardboard should be empty, flattened, and placed in outdoor bins labeled “Cardboard.”

✓ Acceptable

Corrugated Cardboard
Pizza Boxes (empty)

For paperboard like cereal boxes, see Mixed Paper.

✗ Not Acceptable

Food or Food Contaminated Items
Polystyrene (Styrofoam™)
Plastic Film

Metal +

Acceptable aluminum and steel metals should be placed in any recycling bin labeled “Bottles and Cans.”

✓ Acceptable

Aluminum (cans, clean foil, clean trays)
Steel Cans

✗ Not Acceptable

Batteries*
Electronics*

*See Other Materials for proper disposal.

Other Materials +

Special Handling

Batteries +

Battery recycling is operated by the Office of Sustainability in collaboration with Risk Management and Safety. Learn more about battery recycling at Auburn.

Electronics +

For university property, contact Asset Management. Waste Reduction and Recycling does not recycle personal electronics.

Hazardous Waste and Chemicals +

Risk Management and Safety manages the disposal and recycling of all hazardous waste. Contact Risk Management and Safety for assistance.

Pipette Tip Boxes +

Pipette tip boxes can be recycled (pipette tips cannot) in any bin labeled “Pipette Tip Box Plastic.” Many lab areas already have these bins. If your space needs one, contact Risk Management and Safety.

Drop-off Locations

Glass +

Please take glass bottles to the City of Auburn Recycling Center.

Plastic Film +

Plastic Film is accepted at “Plastic Film” recycling bins. Departments that produce large quantities can request their own bin. A bin is also available in Langdon Annex at the Office of Sustainability.

Tennis Balls +

Place tennis balls in the recycling bins located at the tennis courts.

Toner and Ink Cartridges +

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Department works with Campus Mail Services to offer toner and ink cartridge recycling to university departments.

Bins are located throughout campus. Click here for a building list.
Buildings without a bin can use Mail Services:
1. Place cartridges in original packaging.
2. Write “Recycle” on the box.
3. Place in campus mail.
4. Max 3 cartridges per day.

Facilities Management