Indiana University Recycling

Go to: ⇒ Waste Reduction ⇒ Set up Recycling ⇒ FAQ ⇒ Sorting Guide ⇒ Recyclable Paper

A collaboration of student groups, IU Management, and diligent employees have made Indiana University's Bloomington Campus's recycling program one of the best in the nation. Internally, the Physical Plant recycles tires, automotive batteries, all metals, refrigerant CFCs, anti-freeze, motor oil, wooden pallets, and most organic materials.

This highly cooperative effort currently recycles over 150 tons per month (25 - 30% of total campus waste), however, our program can be better.

To continue to help IU be a leader in preserving the environment, we need as much participation as possible.

Waste Reduction

Even before you recycle, reduce. Studies show that each office worker throws away an average of a half-pound of recyclable paper every day. How can we reduce the amount?

Reduce

Use both sides of a piece of paper, and make double-sided copies.
Double-side class syllabi and handouts. Also class packets can be double-sided. Make request when ordering from copy store.
When making a purchase, think about the waste produced from excess packaging. If possible leave it at the store.

Reuse

Request and order recycled products.
Make the most of your paper scraps. Have Maxi make scratch pads for your office.
Use reusable mugs instead of paper cups.
Reuse manila folders, hanging folders and envelopes.

Departments

Use electronic communications.

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Set up recycling at your office

If you have any questions or want to set up recycling in your office or building contact the following offices:

Building Services: 855-3121
Residential Programs & Services: 855-2711
Student Environmental Action Coalition: 855-3121

Note: community procedures may be different than those of IU. For community recycling questions call the 24-hour recycling hotline or the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District at 333-3868.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if trash is found in a recycling bin?

If enough trash is placed in recycling containers it contaminates the entire container and makes it unrecyclable. Please put trash in trash containers.

How important is it to sort white paper and mixed paper?

All paper can now be mingled. There is no need to sort.

Do staples need to be removed?

No.

Do labels need to be removed?

No. Place paper and envelopes with labels in recycling paper containers.

Is the wrapper used on reams of copier and laser paper recyclable?

No. These wrappers contain a glossy substance that cannot be recycled and should be thrown away.

Are campus mailing envelopes with string ties recyclable?

No. But they are reusable.

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Sorting Guide

Beverage Cans & Plastic Bottles

Various academic buildings and all residence halls provide bins for all cans and bottles. Please make sure the containers are empty and rinsed.

Cardboard

All cardboard must be flattened. There are collection sites by all loading docks and by recycling stations.

Household Batteries

Deposit size D and smaller household batteries in battery containers located by loading docks.

Paper

Please see the Recyclable Paper section for a list of recyclable papers.

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Recyclable Paper

White Paper

Copier paper, writing paper, memos, index cards, glossy computer printouts, bond copier paper, manuals without glue or plastic binder, notebook paper, manuals (remove plastic binder), correspondence, fax paper, brochures (remove labels).

Mixed Colors

Copier paper, writing paper, memos, index cards, NCR (no carbon), bond copier paper, dull computer printout, post-it notes, manila file folders, envelopes (remove cellophane), manuals (remove plastic binder), notebook paper (remove spiral), correspondence, fax paper, dull-paper brochures (label okay), red and white campus envelopes.

Newsprint

Newspapers, newspaper inserts.

Magazines

Glossies, catalogs, college catalogs (glued).

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