Recycling & Waste Disposal Directory G-Z

Compressed gas cylinders should be submitted for collection according to the following procedures: 1. Return gas cylinders, whether empty or partially filled, to the manufacturer or distributor through which they were purchased. If the manufacturer will not accept the cylinders for disposal, they should be purchased through another supplier. If originally purchased through the University storehouse, contact the University Stores at (612) 624-2094 to make arrangements for return of gas cylinders. 2. Use up all of the gas in a cylinder to render it empty if at all possible. Empty cylinders should be clearly marked as empty to avoid confusion when it comes to return or disposal of the cylinder. Do not vent full or partially used cylinders into fume hoods as a means of disposal. 3. In the event it is not possible to return the cylinders as specified above, submit the cylinders for waste pickup by the Chemical Waste Program following normal disposal procedures. Make sure the cylinders are clearly marked as to contents and valves are properly sealed and capped. For additional resources, contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604.

Personal bandages (e.g. gauze) should be thrown out in "Trash Only" containers. Solid waste items that drip body fluid (i.e. bandages, dressings, etc.) are considered “regulated human body fluids”. See "Infectious waste."

Recycle jars and bottles in “Bottles & Cans” quad containers (maroon lids). We accept clear, blue, green, and brown glass. The Recycling Program does not accept mirrors, window (plate) glass, white glass (e.g. Malibu), drinking glasses, or laboratory glassware (e.g. Pyrex, microscope slides). See "Lab glass/labware" for details regarding disposal of glass from laboratories. If you are not from a department and the equipment is in usable condition, see other donation organizations.

Dispose of in "Organics Recycling" bins. Grease and cooking oil is compostable. Allow to cool completely and then use paper towels to absorb the grease/oil. The paper towels can then be placed in the white "Organics Recycling" bins. If a container is not available, pour the cool grease/oil into a container (e.g. empty food container) and discard the container in the "Trash Only" bins. UDS recycles used fryer oil from dining locations.

Throw out in “Trash Only” containers. Most chewing gum contains noncompostable plastics.

There are six steps for preparing hazardous waste for collection:

1. Evaluate the waste
2. Collect the waste
3. Label the waste container
4. Segregate the chemicals for waste ttorage and transportation
5. Box the chemicals for transportation
6. Complete the Hazardous Waste Packing Form For additional resources, contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604.

These should be put into the "Trash Only" bin. Certified compostable coffee pods can be placed in the "Organics Recycling" bin. A prepaid UPS postage bag can be used to send Nespresso pods back to the manufacturer for recycling.

All University keys (typically large, brass keys) must be sent to the Department of Central Security (2221 University Ave SE, Suite 335 - Attn. Locksmith). If you have a non-University key, the Recycling Association of Minnesota runs a statewide key recycling program called Key to Recycle™.

If you are from a department and the equipment is in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If the equipment is an industrial/commercial appliance (e.g. double door restaurant refrigerators, centrifuges), contact Waste Recovery Services office at 612-625-6481 to arrange disposal. You have two options: 1. Bring the appliance to the Como Recycling Facility (either by departmental vehicle or contracted mover). Upon arrival, you will be charged a $0.25/pound disposal fee. 2. Arrange for pick-up from your building's dock for a variable charge (depending on size). Laboratory glass/labware: Labware and empty chemical containers may hold residues which are hazardous. Therefore, special precautions must be taken before recycling these items. 1. Determine if the container is contaminated with hazardous materials (biological, radioactive, or chemical). a) If glass is contaminated with a biological material, autoclave and place in clear autoclave bag, or place in red infectious waste bag. b) If glass is contaminated with a chemical, see Chemical containers – empty. c) If glass is contaminated with radioactive material, contact DEHS Radiation Protection at 612-626-6002. 2. If glass is not contaminated with hazardous material, determine if the glass is recyclable or non-recyclable. a) Recyclable: soda lime or flint glass (e.g. chemical bottles, solvent bottles, jars) b) Non-recyclable: borosilicate (Pyrex or Kimax) labware such as flasks, beakers, pipettes, test tubes; plate or window glass, including microscope slides; bottles once containing heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium); bottles that once contained pesticides or acutely toxic mateirals (hazwaste@umn.edu call 612-626-1604). 3. a) Recyclable glass (broken or non-broken): Remove all caps and lids. Collect any residual solvent from containers as hazardous waste prior to rinsing. Rinse with water, remove labels or mark as "empty," and air dry. Place recyclable glass in a dedicated box (glass is heavy so make sure box is sturdy) and tape shut. Clearly label box "GLASS FOR RECYCLING" and place next to regular "Bottles and Cans" quad container (maroon lid) for collection by custodians. b) Non-recyclable glass (broken): Place in a dedicated box (glass is heavy so make sure box is sturdy) and tape shut. Clearly label box "BROKEN LABWARE FOR TRASH" and place next to "Trash Only" quad container for collection by custodians. c) Non-recyclable (non-broken): These can be collected for reuse. Contact the Chemical Labware Recycling Program at 612-626-1859. You can also call this number for a list of free lab supplies.

If you are from a department and the materials are in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If you are not from a department and the equipment is in usable condition, donate to an organization that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations.

Contact Facilities Management Custodial at fmcc@umn.edu or 612-624-2900. 

Usable linens can be donated at the end of each semester in the residence halls. Contact Housing and Residential Life for details at housing@umn.edu or 612-624-2994. Otherwise, if the linens are in usable condition, see other donation organizations.

Recycle in “Recyclable Paper” bin (gold lids).

All metal can be recycled. Small pieces can be recycled in “Bottles & Cans” quad containers (maroon lids). For larger pieces of metal, contact Waste Recovery Services office at 612-625-6481 to arrange recycling.

If you are from a department and the microwave is in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If you are not from a department and the equipment is in usable condition, see any other organization that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations.

Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers. Microwavable popcorn and popcorn bags are coated with PFOA (perfluoro-compounds) and thus are not acceptable for composting.

Napkins are compostable and can be thrown into "Organics Recycling" bins. If these containers are not available, throw them out in the "Trash Only" bins. 

Negatives and film are considered hazardous waste because of their silver content. Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Recycle in “Recyclable Paper” bins (gold lids). NOTE: You do not need to remove the metal or plastic spiral.

Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers. Not recyclable or compostable. These plastics are "degradable" in that they break down into very small pieces of plastic, but they are not biodegradable and do not decompose, so they are not an organic material suitable for composting.

If you have large quantities, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu to ask about a ReUse option. 

Plastic mailers can be disposed of in the "Plastic Bag Recycling" box at central waste stations on campus. If unavailable, throw out in "Trash Only" containers. Padded paper mailers are trash. 

Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Place at building dock and contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu.

Office type paper, manila folders, envelopes, and brochures, newspapers, magazines, books, paper bags, and cardboard should be put into the Recyclable Paper bins (gold lid). Note: Rubber bands, staples and paperclips do not need to be removed. Windows and plastic on envelopes/tissue boxes do need to be removed. Dark or brightly colored paper should be put into "Organics Recycling" bins to be composted. These types of paper cannot be recycled because they leach color. Food-soiled paper, napkins, and paper towels should also be put into the "Organics Recycling" bins. Food related paper (i.e. wrappers, wax paper, paper cups/plates/bowls) should be put into the "Trash Only" bins.

If possible, set up an exchange to facilitate the reuse of office supplies within your office, department, or building. This can be as simple as a centrally-located box labeled "Supplies for Reuse." Otherwise, excess paperclips and other office supplies can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE.

Ensure bags are empty, then recycle in “Recyclable Paper” bins (gold lids). If food-soiled (i.e. covered in grease), put in the "Organics Recycling" bins. 

Throw out in “Trash Only” bins. Not compostable because they have plastic coatings. If certified compostable, they should be put into the "Organics Recycling" bins if available.

Paper plates, bowls, and cups that are not certified compostable should be placed in the trash. Uncoated paper plates, bowls, and cups are compostable (e.g. Chinet). They can be placed in the "Organics Recycling" bins.

Paper towels and tissues are compostable and can be placed in these "Organics Recycling" bins. If a container is not available, they must be thrown out in the "Trash Only" containers.

If possible, set up an exchange to facilitate the reuse of office supplies within your office, department, or building. This can be as simple as a centrally-located box labeled "Supplies for Reuse." Otherwise, excess pencils, pens, and other office supplies can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE. Broken pencils and pens should be thrown out in "Trash Only" containers.

Throw out in "Trash Only" containers. Not compostable because of paints and/or non-wood composites.

Substances registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) should be sent to the Chemical Waste Program for proper disposal. Contact hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604. DO NOT FLUSH. Your unwanted medications may be disposed of in your trash. Follow these precautions to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion. Keep the medication in its original container. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are typically childproof. Leaving the content information clearly visible, cover the patient's name with permanent maker. Modify the contents to discourage consumption. Solid medications: add a small amount of vinegar to pills or capsules to at least partially dissolve them. Liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, or nontoxic powdered spice, such as mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it. Blister packs: wrap packages containing pills in opaque tape like duct tape. Seal and conceal. Tape the medication container lid shut with packing or duct tape and put it inside a non-transparent bag or container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that the contents cannot be seen. Do not conceal medicines in food products because they could be inadvertently consumed by wildlife scavengers. Discard the container in your garbage can—do not place in the recycling bin.

Recycle in “Paper" containers (gold lids). If they are negatives or film, they are considered hazardous waste because of their silver content. Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Place in the "Organics Recycling" bins. If a bin is not available, soiled pizza boxes must be thrown out in the "Trash Only" containers.

Reuse when possible. Extras can be donated to a local garden center or nursery.

Dispose of clean and dry plastic bags in the "Plastic Bag Recycling" drop-offs on campus or bring to your local grocery store for recycling. If these options are not available, they should be thrown in the "Trash Only".

If you regularly generate large quantities of clean and dry plastic films labeled #4 (shrink wrap & pallet wrap), contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu. Do not recycle "oxy-degradable," "biodegradable," or "degradable" plastics. If not labeled #4, dirty or wet, or generated in small quantities, throw out in "Trash Only" quad containers.

If in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Otherwise, throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Throw out in “Trash Only” containers

Recycle in “Bottles & Cans” quad containers (maroon lids). Lids/caps are acceptable, and the bottles do not need to be empty. Ideally, however, bottles containing compostable food are emptied into the organics bin before recycling the bottles (e.g. condiments).

Throw out in "Trash Only" containers, unless you generate large quantities (e.g. from events) of clean and dry plastic rings labeled #4. If so, contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu

If you generate large quantities of clean and dry #5 (polypropylene) plastic (e.g. laboratories), contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu to set up recycling for this material. If you're an individual generator of #5 plastics (e.g. yogurt cups) and a resident of Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties, you can bring these home and recycle or drop them off at their facility. Plastics numbered 3, 4, or 6 must be thrown out in "Trash Only" bins. #7 PLA plastics can be composted (in "Organics Recycling" bins) IF specifically labeled BPI- or ASTM-certified. All other #7 plastics must be thrown out in "Trash Only" bins.

Popsicle sticks are compostable and can be placed in the "Organics Recycling" bins.

If in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If not usable, recycle in "Bottles and Cans" quad containers (maroon lids).

Contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu for ink and toner cartridges. Toner bottles should be thrown in the "Trash Only" quad containers.

Empty disposable butane and propane bottles should be submitted for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu.

If usable, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If not working, contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu.

“Research animal waste” means carcasses, body parts, and blood derived from animals knowingly and intentionally exposed to agents that are infectious to humans for the purpose of research, production of biologicals, or testing of pharmaceuticals. • Small animal carcasses/tissues are placed in red biohazard bags. Biohazard bags are placed in red biohazard barrels in designated animal coolers. See RAR Animal Care Services for the location of animal coolers. Waste is transported from coolers to waste hauler pick-up areas by trained university custodians. Carcasses are disposed of by the State of Minnesota's Infectious (Biomedical) Waste Disposal Contract holder. Click here for more information. • Large animal carcasses/tissue are disposed of in the tissue digester on the St. Paul campus by prior arrangement. This includes carcasses/tissue from research, Veterinary Necropsy, and Veterinary Diagnostic labs. • Bedding and other waste from caged infected animals will be treated on-site by autoclaving. - From infected animals: Place cage, water bottle and bedding in clear autoclave bag as directed by RAR. (If animals housed outside of RAR, return bag to RAR.) Contents will be autoclaved by RAR staff. Once autoclaved, contents can be placed in organics recycling Brute barrels. - From non-infectious animals: Place bedding in organics recycling Brute barrels.

If possible, set up an exchange to facilitate the reuse of office supplies within your office, department, or building. This can be as simple as a centrally-located box labeled "Supplies for Reuse." Otherwise, excess paperclips, rubber bands, and other office supplies can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE. Broken rubber bands should be thrown out in "Trash Only" bins.

Throw out in “Trash Only” bins. Or, remove "zip" portion of the bag and bring to your local grocery store or Target's plastic bag recycling drop-off.

Throw into "Organics Recycling" bins if available.

If marked #1 or #2 (typically on the bottom of the bottle), recycle in “Bottles & Cans” quad containers (maroon lids). Lids/caps are acceptable.

“Sharps” means: (a) discarded items that can induce subdermal inoculation of infectious agents, including needles, scalpel blades, pipettes, and other items derived from human or animal patient care, blood banks, laboratories, mortuaries, research facilities, and industrial operations; and (b) discarded glass or rigid plastic vials containing infectious agents. Sharps disposal containers may never be placed in the normal waste stream. Sharps containers will be collected with red bag waste only. Sharps containers will not be used for any other purpose than sharps disposal. Sharps containers cannot be placed in hallways or other public areas. Sharps containers will be: • Puncture resistant • Clearly marked with a biohazard symbol • Within easy reach of the work station • Filled to no more than ¾ capacity • Sealed (i.e. capped or taped) prior to transport Needles are not to be recapped or removed from syringes prior to placing into sharps container. Contaminated or non-contaminated: Place in sharps container such as U-Stores #CX40245 or #MS-07401. Place next to regular lab trash container. Sharps containers are picked up by FM; call 624-2900 for a pick-up request if biohazardous material is not normally picked up in your area. Sharps contaminated with prions waste: Place in sharps container such as U-Stores #CX40245 or #MS-07401. Place sharps container in yellow waste bag and then place next to regular lab trash container. Call 625-6481 for pick-up. For additional resources, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety Biosafety officer at fmcc@umn.edu or 612-624-2900.

Collection of soap and other toiletries that are suitable for donation occurs at the end of each semester in the residence halls. Contact Housing and Residential Life for details at housing@umn.edu or 612-624-2994. If you are not from a department and the equipment is in usable condition, donate to an organization that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations.

Contact Landcare at 612-625-7361.

If possible, set up an exchange to facilitate the reuse of office supplies within your office, department, or building. This can be as simple as a centrally-located box labeled "Supplies for Reuse." Otherwise, excess staples and other office supplies can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE. If not in usable condition, recycle in "Bottles and Cans" bins (maroon lids).

Accepted: Styrofoam shipping boxes, Styrofoam packaging, and Styrofoam packing peanuts. Not Accepted: foam to-go food service containers, foam food trays, foam that has been in contact with food or grease. These items are trash. 

Small amounts of clean Styrofoam can be placed in the paper recycling on campus. They will be sorted out at the campus recycling facility. Large pieces of Styrofoam can be left next to the campus waste stations. 

Throw out in "Trash Only" bins unless certified compostable (BPI). Certified compostable take-out containers must display a BPI logo be accepted in the Organics Recycling bins. 

Throw out in “Trash Only” bins or in bathroom stall trash cans. Do not flash. Do not place in regular bathroom trash cans (organic materials only).

If possible, set up an exchange to facilitate the reuse of office supplies within your office, department, or building. This can be as simple as a centrally-located box labeled "Supplies for Reuse." Otherwise, usable tape and other office supplies can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE. Used tape should be thrown out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Tea wrappers have a wax lining and should be thrown out in "Trash Only" bins. Many tea bags contain plastic and should not be composted. Email recycle@umn.edu for a list of companies that use plastic-free tea bags. Tea bags and loose leaf can be composted, so long as the bag is not synthetic (you can pull it apart and open it easily). To compost tea leaves, look for "Organics Recycling" bins on campus.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) has developed a mercury thermometer exchange program to help eliminate mercury and its associated health and environmental hazards. DEHS will provide a one-for-one exchange of mercury thermometers for non-mercury thermometers. For additional resources, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604. Working, usable digital and alcohol thermometers/thermostats can be sent to the ReUse Program. Call 612-626-9152 or email reuse@umn.edu. For broken digital thermometers/thermostats, see "Electronics" for disposal information. Throw out broken alcohol thermometers/thermostats in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Recycle in “Bottles & Cans” bins (maroon lids).

If you have tires that came from campus operations, bring to Como Recycling Facility at 3009 Como Ave. S.E.

Tissues are compostable and can be placed in "Organics Recycling." Tissues are not recyclable in paper recycling.

Tissue paper cannot be recycled, it should go in the "Trash Only" bins. If the tissue paper does not have any glitter, shininess, metallic embellishments, or plastic lining it can be composted in the "Organics Recycling" bins.

Place in "Recyclable Paper” bins (gold lids).

Label toner for ReUse/Recycling and place in the ReUse pick-up area near loading dock.

Wooden toothpicks are compostable and can be placed in the white "Organics Recycling". If unavailable, or if you have a plastic toothpick, throw it out in the "Trash Only" containers.

Donated linens collection occurs at the end of each semester in the residence halls. Contact Housing and Residential Life for details at housing@umn.edu or 612-624-2994.

Throw out in “Trash Only” containers. The Recycling Program does not consider this material compostable because it contains synthetic fibers (e.g. from synthetic carpets).

The Minnesota Wheels for Wishes organization accepts any vehicle (cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, etc.), whether it is running or not. They recycle or auction old vehicles, benefiting Make-A-Wish Minnesota. To find out more about the program or to donate your vehicle, visit Wheels for Wishes.

Not recyclable, and too obsolete for the University ReUse Program. If the cassettes contain salable content, bring to an organization that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations. Otherwise, throw out in “Trash Only” containers. Remove paper sleeves and recycle in the "Recyclable Paper" bins (gold lids).

Usable decorative candles can be sent through campus mail to the ReUse Program: 883 29th Ave SE. Otherwise, throw out in "Trash Only" bins.

Certified compostable waxed paper may be placed in the "Organics Recycling" bins. All other waxed paper should be thrown in the trash as it is likely coated with noncompostable synthetics.

Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Contact Landcare at 612-625-7361

Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers. While our facility cannot recycle these, if you live in the area, Hennepin county recycling does and if you so wish, you can hold on to them and recycle at home.