Recycling

At the University of Maryland, recycle all Bottles & Cans and Paper:

• All glass bottles (regardless of color)

• All plastic #1 through #7

• All metal cans (aluminum, tin, and steel)

• All office paper and newspapers

• All junk mail, magazines, post-its, folders

• All cardboard-- brown corrugated cardboard, ordinary cardboard boxes, and pizza boxes

1. Do we recycle all plastics?
   
   Yes!  As of February 2009, we can recycle ALL plastics on campus. 
   
   This includes all plastic containers such as water bottles, yogurt containers, detergent containers, etc.  PLEASE rinse out the food first!  Bottle caps are okay!
   
   Rigid plastic is acceptable too.  This includes plastic trays and even lawn furniture. 
   
   No plastic bags-- they jam the recycling equipment-- no sandwich bags, no grocery bags, no dry cleaning bags, etc.
    
2. So we recycle plastics numbered 1 through 7?
   
   Yes!.  We can recycle all plastics #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.  See the "chasing arrows" recycling symbol on the bottom of a container?  Recycle it!
    
3. Should I empty out my bottles and cans?
   
   Yes.  Please pour out any leftover liquid from your beverage bottles and cans and rinse/wash out food from all food containers (especially peanut butter and mayonnaise!).
    
4. Should I remove the lid from my plastic bottle?
   
   No.  We can recycle that plastic, too! 
    
5. Do I need to flatten cardboard boxes?
   
   Yes.  Please flatten all cardboard boxes and empty all packing materials such as plastic bags and foam beads.  If you need help (for example, your office received a large shipment of equipment in many, many boxes), just let us know! 
    
6. Can I recycle pizza boxes?
   
   Yes.  Just empty out any leftover pizza and throw in the trash any wax paper sheet.  The box is recyclable even if it has some melted cheese or oil on it.
    
7. Is shredded paper recyclable?
   
   Yes.  Just bag it in a clear plastic bag and put it with your paper recycling container. 
    
8. Are paper towels, tissues, and napkins recyclable?
   
   No.  Do not put paper products that been used on the body or are covered in food into the recycling containers.
    
9. Are books recyclable?
   
   Yes.  We recycle all paperback and hardback books; just put them in the recycling bins for "PAPER".  If you have more than a few hardback books, contact the Manager of Recycling and Solid Waste (contact info below) to arrange for a special pick-up for large quantities.
    
10. Is aluminum foil recyclable?
    
    Yes.  Sheets of aluminum foil can be balled up and put in the Recycling bins labeled "BOTTLES & CANS".  Other aluminum containers are recyclable as well such as pie pans and lids from some carry-out restaurants.  Please rinse off all food from the aluminum! 
    
    Greasy and/or food-laden aluminum trays from grills or other cooking are NOT acceptable- PLEASE put aluminum which is contaminated with grease and/or food in the trash.
     
11. Where do I take my recyclables on campus if I want to/need to?
    
    You may bring your recyclables to the University Recycling Center (Building 107) in Lot 4i across Paint Branch Drive from Comcast Center. 
    
    
    Need containers or help recycling?
    
    Have suggestions?
    
    Let us know.
    
    Send an email to recycle@umd.edu to contact the Office of Recycling and Solid Waste
    
    Building and Landscape Services
    Department of Facilities Management
    Division of Administrative Affairs