Recycling centers are raising their standards for the quality and cleanliness of the recyclable materials that are being processed at their facilities. Increasingly, truck loads of recycling that our drivers have brought for these facilities have been “downgraded” due to high levels of contamination with non-recyclables like trash and food waste. These downgraded truckloads are sent entirely to landfill, meaning we do not get credit for the effort our community members and staff took to sort and separate recyclables. 

To increase the amount of recycling on campus and bring us closer to our Zero Waste goals, Colin O’Brien and the Sustainability Office are offering three simple tips. Read on below or watch the video!

Tip 1: Recycle Approved Materials Only

Do Recycle: Clean and dry paper, cardboard, hard plastics, metal and glass.

Do not recycle: Thin plastic films, including chip bags and snack wrappers, styrofoam, small plastic items like straws and disposable utensils, and/or any recyclable materials that are contaminated with food waste residue.

Tip 2: Keep Black Liners out of all Recycling Receptacles

Black bags will be considered trash at the Recycling Facility regardless of their contents. If there are too many black liners in a recycling compactor, the entire load can be downgraded and sent to landfill. Keeping black bags out of recycling receptacles increases our chances of a successful load. 

Therefore: If you are lining a recycling bin, always use a clear bag. 

If you are unloading a recycling bin that has been lined by another staff member with a black bag, remove those items from the bag and place in a clear liner before depositing in a recycling dumpster or compactor. 

Tip 3: Check Recycling Bags for Excessive Food or Liquid Contamination

The presence of food waste or liquids in an otherwise clean load of recycling can cause it to be rejected and sent to landfill. If you encounter a recycling bag that contains clearly visible food or liquids, follow the rule of “when in doubt, throw it out.”

Questions? Feel free to email Colin and he’ll fill you in!