{"id":58,"date":"2025-12-08T23:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T23:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainability\/?page_id=58"},"modified":"2026-03-26T19:02:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T19:02:51","slug":"recycling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/home\/initiatives\/waste\/recycling\/","title":{"rendered":"Recycling"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"modal-ready\"><div  class=\"purdue-home-cta-banner purdue-home-teritary-hero \">\n            <div class=\"image\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/silver-ratingLO-768x576-1.jpg\"\/>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"section has-image-background has-padding-top-large has-padding-bottom-large \">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <h1 class=\"second-level-page-heading purdue-home-teritary-hero__header\">Recycling<\/h1>\n            <div class=\"purdue-home-teritary-hero__content\">\n                \n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A general guide to know what to throw into mixed recycling or landfill bins on campus is available below. If you are still unsure about an item, please send your question along with a photo and description of the item to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:sustainability@purdue.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sustainability@purdue.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div  class=\"section \">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n                <div class=\"tagged-header-container tagged-header-container--content-block tagged-header-container-narrow tagged-header-container-gold\">\n            <h2 class=\"tagged-header tagged-header--gold\">Top Recycling Mistakes<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns page-layout-columns columns is-multiline is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column column is-full-tablet page-layout-main is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The following items are often placed in recycling bins but are actually not recyclable. Learn more about why these items do not belong in recycling containers and how to dispose of them correctly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-d4f5feaa-354a-4c25-9b10-3722a0ed62ad\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-d4f5feaa-354a-4c25-9b10-3722a0ed62ad\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Soft Plastics<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-d4f5feaa-354a-4c25-9b10-3722a0ed62ad\">\n                    \n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-087210302b2e08fe6960f3d4e1a1540b\">The What<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Soft plastics, which is a broad term for a variety of packaging materials, are not accepted in the campus standard mixed recycling. Some common soft plastic materials are candy wrappers, chip bags, cereal box liners, storage bags (Ziploc), shopping\/grocery bags, bubble wrap, bread bags, shrink wrap and cling films (Saran Wrap).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90b074a6cb9a220473d3bd8bcdaaf20c\">The Why<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to their flexible\/soft properties and the complexity of mixed-stream recycling sorting, soft plastics can get caught in the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) sorting equipment, which can lead to costly shutdowns and creates risks for workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The university&#8217;s recycling is processed by third-party MRFs. The recycling capabilities of each MRF determines what materials they can accept. Beyond the capabilities of the MRF, local, regional and global material markets determine the demand for certain recyclable materials and what the MRFs will accept for processing. Due to these issues, the MRFs processing the university\u2019s recycling materials does not currently accept soft plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9882ccbc3e496d21a2452d165e843771\">What Can You Do?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring your own reusable bag when you shop as an alternative to plastic grocery bags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use wax-based wraps and reusable, sealable containers instead of storage bags or cling film for food items.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If possible, purchase products with no or reduced soft plastic packaging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take soft plastics to local businesses, such as grocery stores, where they have collection bins for some of these materials to be properly recycled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-a705466d-6fe0-4355-af83-171f1d51bf67\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-a705466d-6fe0-4355-af83-171f1d51bf67\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Food Waste and Containers<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-a705466d-6fe0-4355-af83-171f1d51bf67\">\n                    \n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-087210302b2e08fe6960f3d4e1a1540b\">The What<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Food waste and containers with food debris are not accepted in campus recycling bins. Plastic, metal and glass containers must be empty and clean of food debris before being recycled. Paper containers must be empty, clean and dry before being recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90b074a6cb9a220473d3bd8bcdaaf20c\">The Why<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Paper products need to be free of contamination to be recycled. Food waste can spread when products are all thrown together in a mixed recycling stream. Other perfectly good recyclables (like paper) and those contaminated materials will all end up in the landfill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9882ccbc3e496d21a2452d165e843771\">What Can You Do?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If a takeout bag, pizza box, to-go clamshell or other single-use food container contains food debris or has food\/greasy residue on it, throw it in the landfill bin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When possible, opt to use reusable containers for food instead of single-use containers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buy only what you need and eat what you buy to avoid throwing away food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For off-campus living, the&nbsp;City of West Lafayette offers&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.westlafayette.in.gov\/services\/waste-and-removal\/food-waste\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">collection site for&nbsp;food waste<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;offers&nbsp;countertop food waste bins to residents&nbsp;Monday through Friday.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-60f41a8c-bd42-4b03-802d-83e087bc5cab\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-60f41a8c-bd42-4b03-802d-83e087bc5cab\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Cups<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-60f41a8c-bd42-4b03-802d-83e087bc5cab\">\n                    \n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-087210302b2e08fe6960f3d4e1a1540b\">The What<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>All single-use cups and lids (paper and plastic) for hot and cold liquids are not accepted in campus recycling bins. The one current exception is the single-use aluminum cups used at some Athletics events. These belong in the recycling bin! Additionally, cardboard sleeves for hot beverage cups are recyclable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90b074a6cb9a220473d3bd8bcdaaf20c\">The Why<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Most single-use plastic cups and lids are manufactured using techniques and additives that make it difficult for them to be recycled into a clean and usable material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most single-use paper beverage and coffee cups contain a coating for insulation and waterproofing, which makes them difficult to be recycled alongside other paper products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The university&#8217;s recycling is processed by third-party Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The recycling capabilities of each MRF determines what materials they can accept in the recycling stream. Beyond the MRF&#8217;s capabilities, local, regional and global material markets determine the demand for certain recyclable materials and what the MRFs will accept for processing. Currently, the MRFs processing the university\u2019s recycling materials do not accept cups and lids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9882ccbc3e496d21a2452d165e843771\">What Can You Do?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring your own reusable bottles, cups and mugs where allowed.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-6ef8e2f3-4195-4d92-89b4-2567a2683667\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-6ef8e2f3-4195-4d92-89b4-2567a2683667\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Paper Towels, Tissues and Napkins<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-6ef8e2f3-4195-4d92-89b4-2567a2683667\">\n                    \n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-087210302b2e08fe6960f3d4e1a1540b\">The What<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Single-use paper products, such as napkins, towels and tissues, are not accepted in campus recycling bins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90b074a6cb9a220473d3bd8bcdaaf20c\">The Why<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main reasons why napkins, towels and tissues are not accepted in campus mixed recycling bins. First, the products are primarily made of wood pulp that is composed of small fibers. In order for wood pulp products to be recycled, they must have fibers long enough to be turned into new products. The short fibers in napkins, towels and tissues are not easy to recycle. Additionally, every time paper products are recycled the fibers get shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second reason has to do with the recycling process for paper, which requires the material to be free of contaminants. These paper products are commonly used to collect contaminants such as food, grease and bodily fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-boiler-gold-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9882ccbc3e496d21a2452d165e843771\">What Can You Do?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>When possible, use reusable products, such as handkerchiefs and cloth towels, in place of single-use paper materials.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column column is-one-quarter-desktop is-full-tablet is-full-mobile page-layout-sidebar is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-intro-text has-layout-one-centered \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            \n            <h2 class=\"purdue-home-intro-text__header header-font-acumin\">Know What To Throw<\/h2>\n\n<p>Click through the items below to know what you should recycle on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"recycling\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs has-white-background\"><div class=\"section has-padding-top-large has-padding-bottom-large\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"columns\"><div class=\"column is-5\"><div class=\"arrow\"><\/div><h2 class=\"tagged-header tagged-header--gold\">Recycling<\/h2><div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__headers\" role=\"tablist\"><button id=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-0\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-0\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Plastics<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-1\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-1\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Paper<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-2\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-2\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Cardboard<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-3\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-3\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Metal &amp; Aluminum<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-4\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header  active\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-4\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Glass Containers<\/h3><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"column is-7\">\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-0\" id=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A pile of plastic bottles with the caps on.\" class=\"wp-image-1494\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_199500633.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plastics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0f0b833557526c67cd195de3742d965f\">Containers must be empty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38d9e077663f6f2f57cbec7475b401ac\">Water and soda bottles (with lid on)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-09afc65c9558690ce989a800d359df4d\">Milk and water jugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b0dca8c44e8f0916d25ccda8987f81f\">Nut butter jars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c2bae202c47a250b91d322f1c0fa930b\">Food and condiment bottles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f36eeedb0a44b81ebc54150b869d5adb\">Detergent containers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-1\" id=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-1\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"stack of unpaid bills\" class=\"wp-image-1493\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_793518354.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0f0b833557526c67cd195de3742d965f\">Containers must be empty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b08f27a9cff2cbc3e374a81af354beec\">Newspapers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21b06a5f861245a17df1a96dc58044a8\">Mail and magazines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3f4080585327d02be74f95591f8ef653\">Office paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0aff6eb84a91f3c8201fa3b4e947b61d\">Notebook paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f719ba2ecbeca0ac6807073f272c9dab\">Paperboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ef1e833d6ce2a73d4cd829b28105b293\">Shredded paper: <em>Only place in the green, mixed paper carts. Unshredded paper can be placed in the blue confidential carts to be sent off to shred.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-2\" id=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-2\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Stack of folded carton box boards\" class=\"wp-image-1492\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_246693257.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0feef3db4564176974488bf95aed6fea\">Shipping and moving boxes (flattened)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8f842f88321497b67f8ca6ce7e68bfe6\">Milk and juice cartons (emptied)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-3\" id=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-3\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221-1024x684.jpeg\" alt=\"Several generic aluminum food cans, isolated on white studio background, to store food for years.\" class=\"wp-image-1491\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_414097221.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Metal &amp; Aluminum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Containers must be empty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7a146a0c3e985183cb21985f0d876737\">Metal (tin\/steel) food cans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-793b8373ef489fc9d7c84eb100a7d386\">Aluminum drink cans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel active\" aria-labelledby=\"header-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-4\" id=\"panel-16c7fa42-5d86-4fd7-b2eb-5863c16ad9a3-4\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A collection of glass containers, including jars and bottles of various sizes and colors.\" class=\"wp-image-1490\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_206947957.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glass Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Containers must be empty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-602712aeb3524a66e646e51edd801abf\">Bottles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bb5162c42686fa25df72923bbd21c9f8\">Jars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"landfill\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs has-gray-background\"><div class=\"section has-padding-top-large has-padding-bottom-large\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"columns\"><div class=\"column is-5\"><div class=\"arrow\"><\/div><h2 class=\"tagged-header tagged-header--gold\">Landfill<\/h2><div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__headers\" role=\"tablist\"><button id=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-0\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-0\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Food Waste &amp; Wrappers<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-1\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-1\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Single-Use Paper Products<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-2\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header \" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-2\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Soft Plastics &amp; Cutlery<\/h3><\/button><button id=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-3\" class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header  active\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-3\"><h3 class=\"purdue-home-tabs__header-text\">Food Containers &amp; Cups<\/h3><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"column is-7\">\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-0\" id=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-0\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A collage of food waste items, including takeout containers with leftover food and french fries, banana peels, and an empty greasy pizza box.\" class=\"wp-image-1489\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food Waste &amp; Wrappers<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9954ea63ea750845284e58525d9d26cc\">\n\n<li>All food<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Chip bags<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Soiled aluminum foil<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Greasy or soiled pizza boxes<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Greasy or soiled paper bags<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-1\" id=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-1\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A collage of paper items, including a paper napkin, a paper plate with food residue, a roll of toilet paper, a box of tissues, and a roll of paper towels.\" class=\"wp-image-1488\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/2.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Single-Use Paper Products<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8e73a0e474e77bd64416d4bfcbf6fc89\">\n\n<li>Napkins<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Paper towels<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Tissues<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Soiled paper plates<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Disinfecting wipes<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel\" aria-labelledby=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-2\" id=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-2\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A collage of common plastic items, including a zip-top bag of frozen green beans, a plastic grocery bag, several plastic straws, a plastic plate with matching cup and utensils, a roll of bubble wrap, and a roll of plastic wrap.\" class=\"wp-image-1487\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Plastics &amp; Cutlery<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84795973b0d8b2d8bbab80abc32ff55f\">\n\n<li>Grocery bags<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Plastic food storage bags<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Packing pillows<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Bubble wrap<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Food films and wraps<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Plastic forks, spoons and knives<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Plastic straws<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-home-tabs__panel active\" aria-labelledby=\"header-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-3\" id=\"panel-6392ba73-2965-47a9-9eea-bcd20210fdc5-3\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A collage of several images, including a to-go coffee cup, Styrofoam packing peanuts, Styrofoam to-go food containers, and a Styrofoam cup with a plastic straw.\" class=\"wp-image-1486\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/4.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food Containers &amp; Cups<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b1b89e510ce9c52eb46497bcd3f15361\">\n\n<li>Food containers<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Hot liquid cups<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Packaging<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Packing peanuts<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Plates<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":76,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-58","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1666,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58\/revisions\/1666"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/76"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/sustainable-ops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}