Sustainability Services manages several types of commingled and single-stream recycling receptacles across campus. These guidelines are specific to our on-campus recycling operations. For off-campus guidelines, visit the webpage.
 

If you鈥檙e still unsure how to recycle right, learn how to responsibly manage your solid waste using the City of Tacoma鈥檚 tool or contact us at recycling@pugetsound.edu.

Outdoor recycling bin
Outdoor Cans

What鈥檚 accepted:

  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (no lids)
  • Mixed paper, paperboard, and cardboard (flattened)
  • Aluminum and metal cans
  • NO glass, bags, styrofoam, plastic wrap, or food scraps

Where to find:

  • Collins Memorial Library
  • Karlin Quad (between Jones Hall and Music Building)
  • Rotunda
Recycling Toter
Toters

What鈥檚 accepted:

  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (no lids)
  • Mixed paper, paperboard, and cardboard (flattened)
  • Aluminum and metal cans
  • NO glass, bags, styrofoam, plastic wrap, or food scraps

Where to find:

  • Academic Halls
Slim recycling bin
Slim Jims

What鈥檚 accepted:

  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (no lids)
  • Mixed paper, paperboard, and cardboard (flattened)
  • Aluminum and metal cans
  • NO glass, bags, styrofoam, plastic wrap, or food scraps

Where to find:

  • Residence Halls
  • Offices
Glass and e-waste recycling bin
Glass & E-Waste Bins

What鈥檚 accepted:

  • Computers, components, and accessories
  • Monitors and televisions
  • Printers and printing supplies
  • Networking equipment
  • Stereo equipment
  • Cables
  • Mobile devices
  • Home electronics

Where to find:

  • Academic Halls
  • Residence Halls
Green food waste gin
Food Waste Bins

What鈥檚 accepted:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Eggs and dairy
  • Grains and bread
  • Meat and poultry
  • Coffee grounds, tea bags, and filters
  • NO paper products or compostable foodware

Where to find:

  • Some Residence Halls
Frequently Asked Questions

E-waste can be dropped off at the Technology Services desk in the basement of Collins Memorial Library. For multiple and/or large or bulky items, please call the service desk at x8585 to ensure there is space to receive them.

Batteries should never be put in campus trash or recycling containers. We have four drop-off sites on campus for batteries: 

  • at the Technology Services desk
  • near the Mailroom in the Wheelock Student Center
  • near the copy machines on the ground floor of Jones Hall
  • on the east side of the first floor of Thompson Hall

Lithium or rechargeable batteries should have both the top and bottom taped over to prevent fires.

Bring your empty HP cartridges to the mail room in the basement of Wheelock Student Center. Procurement Services coordinates with Technology Services to redeem points for each recycled cartridge that goes toward new printers through the HP PurchasEdge rewards program. Several printers have been purchased at no charge just for recycling toner cartridges!

On-campus books are recycled via Better World Books. If you are a faculty or staff member and have a significant number of books, please contact us at recycling@pugetsound.edu for assistance. For personal books, you are encouraged to donate to neighborhood Little Free Libraries, other donation centers, or sell-back services like Half Price Books. Books should not be placed in recycling toters without prior approval from Sustainability Services.

Items that may seem recyclable but aren鈥檛 accepted include:

  • Plastic bags
  • Milk cartons
  • Coffee cups
  • Straws
  • Paper towels
  • Frozen food boxes
  • Greasy pizza boxes