Boxes

Cardboard box
  Can this item be recycled?

Yes, corrugated (multi-layer) brown cardboard, paper packing materials, brown paper bags, and beverage boxes may be recycled in "Paper" containers with gold lids. Any cardboard with glued-on foam, molded Styrofoam packaging, packaging peanuts, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, or waxed cardboard must be disposed of in the "Trash Only" containers.

  Materials preparation

Boxes should be flattened and placed next to the quad recycling containers if size is too large to fit inside bin.

  Can this item be sent to ReUse?

Boxes in usable condition can be sent to the UMN ReUse Program. Label the item for ReUse and drop it off at a ReUse pick-up location. Find your nearest drop-off location here. 

 Contacts

Recycling Program: 
Email: recycle@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-8084

Reuse Program:
Email: reuse@umn.edu
Phone: 612-626-9152

  Rethink & reduce tips

Exchange boxes with others or donate them to the ReUse program for use.

Recycling and Waste Disposal Directory

Recycling Services

Expand all

Recycling Services

Scheduling a departmental cleanout

For office or building clean-outs, the Recycling Program will supply large recycling containers on wheels (hampers) for your department purge. Place all reusable and recyclable materials in the hamper. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900.

Recycling confidential materials

If you have confidential material that you would like picked up for recycling, you may submit a request form at z.umn.edu/confidential. Call 612-625-6481 for assistance. We provide locked confidential containers and offer direct pickup from your office, however we are not HIPAA compliant. If you need a higher level of security, there are companies in the metropolitan area that can provide the confidential destruction and recycling of documents for a fee. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900.

Reporting overflowing recycling / trash containers

Call the Facilities Management Call Center at 612-624-2900 to report an overflow.

What should go to the ReUse Center?

The University ReUse Program has surplus office furniture, supplies, and equipment available to University departments or individuals for purchase. The Reuse Program is located at 883 29th Avenue, S.E., Minneapolis.