Recycling
Recycling bins are strategically located throughout the campus.
The University recycles 28 percent of on-campus trash. Here’s an overview of recycling programs.
On Campus
The University recycles glass, aluminum cans, clean aluminum takeout containers, plastics #1-7, clean paper, magazines, newsprint, telephone books, and corrugated cardboard. Need a recycling bin? Call Facilities Services at 4-1414. Also, look for Recyclemania, an annual recycling competition at Bartlett Dining Hall in the spring. An explanation of Facilities Services's single stream recycling program is available in this PDF.
We’ll help you recycle your computer, too. NSIT’s Computer Recycling Program will take your computers, monitors, keyboards, modems, and more—whether they work or not.
Waste Management Services is responsible for the recycling at all campus buildings other than the hospitals and dorms. The Resource Center recycles waste from the dorms and composts food waste in some of the cafeterias.
Off Campus
If you live off campus, your recycling method will depend on where you live. If you live in a one- to four-unit building in certain Chicago wards (including the Fifth, which includes Hyde Park), you’ll use the city’s new blue cart system. If you live in Chicago in a building with more than four apartments, your recyclables will be handled by waste services contracted by your landlord or management company. If you live in a residential university apartment, Real Estate Operations has recently enabled recycling for a wide array of products. An explanation of their single stream recycling program is available in this PDF. Outside the city, check the website of the municipality you live in for more information.
If you have any questions about recycling at your building, please contact your management company or landlord.