How to avoid common recycling mistakes on campus

As part of an effort to help increase recycling and reduce waste sent to the landfill, Campus Planning, Architecture and Sustainability (CPAS) is highlighting common mistakes made when recycling and what the campus community can do help prevent those mistakes.

The following items are not currently recyclable through the mixed recycling bins on campus:

• Soft plastics (candy wrappers, chip bags, cereal box liners, storage bags, shopping/grocery bags, bubble wrap, shrink wrap and cling films) are not accepted in the campus standard mixed recycling. These materials can get caught in the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) sorting equipment, which can lead to costly shutdowns and create risks for workers. Using reusable bags while shopping is a way to help.
• Food waste and containers are not accepted in the campus recycling bins because paper products need to be free of contamination. Containers can be recycled only if they are empty, clean and dry. Check the "Know What to Throw" guide on the Sustainability website to confirm the container can be recycled.
• Cups for hot and cold liquids are also not accepted in campus recycling bins because most single-use paper and plastic beverage cups are manufactured in ways that make them difficult to be sorted and recycled alongside other materials. To help, bring reusable bottles, cups and mugs where allowed.
• Napkins, paper towels and tissues are not accepted in campus recycling bins. These paper products are commonly used to collect contaminants such as food, grease and bodily fluids. When possible, replace with reusable products, such as handkerchiefs and cloth towels.

The Sustainability website includes more information on recycling and how students, faculty, staff and visitors can help minimize waste and increase recycling. It also includes information on personal and household waste resources so students living off campus can play a part in increasing recycling efforts.

The upgraded website and information highlighting recycling mistakes is part of an initiative by CPAS to support the 2020 Physical Facilities Sustainability Master Plan. The plan calls for an annual campus waste recycling rate of 50% by FY25. In addition to the updated website, receptacles throughout several campus buildings now have signs that include illustrated examples of recyclable and non-recyclable items and QR codes linked to additional resources.

The Administrative Operations organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Putting initiatives in place to increase recycling and reduce waste is just one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.

Questions or feedback about recycling may be directed to the sustainability department at sustainability@purdue.edu.