Recycling Self-Help Guide A-F

For office or building clean-outs, the Recycling Program will supply large recycling containers on wheels (hampers) for your "file purge." For your assistance, a detailed list defining the acceptable materials and separation guidelines for office paper, files, magazines, books, journals, and reusable's is available. Separate hampers must be obtained for each material. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900

If you have confidential material that you would like picked up for recycling, call us at 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.

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

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

Recyclable IF completely empty (at atmospheric pressure). Recycle in “Bottles & Cans” quad containers (maroon lids). If the aerosol can is NOT empty, submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604). Note that in packaging, the cans should stand upright in the box and be capped to prevent the release of contents. If the ingredients of the can are known, list them on the waste form with the respective percent composition. If a commercial product, list company name, location and any hazard information listed on the can.

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

Recyclable if clean. Combine small pieces together into large softball size pieces. Recycle in “Bottles” & Cans" quad containers (maroon lids).

See "Research animal waste."

See "Research animal waste."

See “Research animal waste.”

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

Standard residential appliances (appliances you would find in a house, such as refrigerators, mini-fridges, and washing machines): Contact the Waste Abatement Services office at 612-625-6481 to arrange disposal. Options: 1. Bring the appliance to the Como Recycling Facility (either by departmental vehicle or contracted mover). Upon arrival, you will be charged a $9/unit disposal fee. 2. Arrange for pick-up from your building's dock for $30 plus $10-15 for each additional unit. Industrial/commercial appliances (double door restaurant refrigerators, rooftop air conditioners, centrifuges, heating and cooling laboratory equipment, etc.) Contact the Waste Abatement 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).

If in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu.

Contact the Hazardous Materials program. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900

Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604). If you are from a district, consolidate and bring to hazardous waste collection room.

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

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

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the seven metro area counties prohibit the disposal of waste batteries in the trash. Batteries must be disposed of as either hazardous waste or industrial solid waste. Dry cell and button batteries: All batteries require special collection and processing because of their heavy metal content. Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries from businesses are not allowed to go into solid waste streams which will be incinerated. If you're unsure if your department has a waste battery collection container, contact your departmental office. To request a waste battery collection container, call the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604. To request that a waste battery container in an office be emptied, please call the District Call Center at 612-624-2900. To request that a waste battery container located on a dock be emptied, please call the Chemical Waste Program at 612-626-1604. Lead-acid batteries (automotive, forklift, riding custodial equipment, emergency lighting, etc. batteries) must be stored in a curbed, impermeable-surface storage area. Secondary containment trays are available through University Stores, 612-624-4878, part no. CX18999. Prior to collection by the Chemical Waste Program, these batteries should be individually packaged upright in a sturdy plastic-lined box. District personnel: bring to designated hazardous waste collection room. For more information, click below.

If in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. For large volumes, contact the Waste Abatement Services office at 612-625-6481 to request a hamper drop-off at your building's dock. If broken, throw out in "Trash Only" quad containers.

The University of Minnesota employs two methods to dispose of biohazard waste: autoclaving and red bags. The preferred method is autoclaving due to the high cost of red bag disposal - ten times the cost of regular waste disposal. Waste should be autoclaved in clear autoclave bags whenever possible.

“Blood” means waste human blood and blood products in containers, or solid waste saturated and dripping human blood or blood products. Human blood products include serum, plasma, and other blood components. See "Infectious waste" for disposal information.

If you are from a department and the books are in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Otherwise, recycle in “Newspaper Plus” quad containers (gold lids). Soft- and hard-cover books are accepted. For large volumes (more than a regular quad container's worth), contact the Waste Abatement Services office at 612-625-6481 to request a hamper drop-off at your building's dock.

#1 and #2 plastic bottles, glass bottles, and metal bottles are recyclable. Recycle in "Bottles & Cans" quad containers (maroon lids). Keep plastic bottle caps on bottles and recycle with bottles and cans. Metal bottle caps should be recycled with other metal.

Recyclable: corrugated (multi-layer) brown cardboard; paper packing materials; brown paper bags; 6-, 12-, and 24-pack beverage boxes; and unsoiled pizza boxes. (No cheese or sauce, little grease. Soiled pizza boxes are compostable.) To recycle: If large, flatten box and place next to quad recycling containers. If small, recycle in Newspaper Plus” quad containers (gold lids). Packaging tape need not be removed. Not recyclable (Trash Only): refrigerator or freezer packaging/boxes, cardboard with glued-on foam, molded Styrofoam packaging, packaging peanuts, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, or waxed cardboard.

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

Not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

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

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the seven metro area counties prohibit the disposal of waste batteries in the trash. Batteries must be disposed of as either hazardous waste or industrial solid waste. Lead-acid batteries (automotive, forklift, riding custodial equipment, emergency lighting, etc. batteries) must be stored in a curbed, impermeable-surface storage area. Secondary containment trays are available through University Stores, (612) 624-4878, part no. CX18999. Prior to collection by the Chemical Waste Program, these batteries should be individually packaged upright in a sturdy plastic-lined box. District personnel: bring to designated hazardous waste collection room. Submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program (hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604).

Recyclable: corrugated (multi-layer) brown cardboard; paper packing materials; brown paper bags; 6-, 12-, and 24-pack beverage boxes; and unsoiled pizza boxes. (No cheese or sauce, little grease. Soiled pizza boxes are compostable.) To recycle: If large, flatten box and place next to quad recycling containers. If small, recycle in “Newspaper Plus” quad recycling containers (gold lids). Packaging tape need not be removed. Not recyclable (Trash Only): refrigerator or freezer packaging/boxes, cardboard with glued-on foam, molded Styrofoam packaging, packaging peanuts, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, or waxed cardboard.

If you are from a department and the carpet & padding is in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Otherwise, large quantities of carpet can be arranged to be recycled through Bro-Tex, Inc. Email: feisentrager@brotex.com Call: (651) 272-7227

If the cassettes contain salable content, send to an organization that accepts donations or contact ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations. Otherwise, throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Recycle in “Newspaper Plus” quad containers (gold lids).

If the CDs contain salable content, send to any organization that accepts donations or contact ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations. Otherwise, CDs and cases are recyclable. 1. Separate CDs from jewel cases. 2. If jewel cases have paper inserts, remove the inserts and recycle them in an "Newspaper plus" quad container (gold lid). 3. Package the CDs and jewel cases in separate compartments, envelopes, boxes or other containers depending on quantity. 4. Send the separated items to the Como Recycling Facility: 3009 Como Ave SE, Mail Code 5301 through Campus Mail, Attn: Dana. or contact the Recycling Program at recycle@umn.edu.

See "electronics."

If the ceramics are salable (e.g. household items), send to ReUse or other 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” quad containers.

Contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604. Labware and empty chemical containers may hold residues which are hazardous. Therefore, special precautions must be taken before recycling these items. For additional resources, contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604.

If you are from a department and the lights are in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. Otherwise, broken or usable, the Recycling Association of Minnesota runs a holiday light recycling program called Recycle Your Holidays. Drop off unwanted light strings at any of 400+ participating locations during the holiday season, starting November 15 through the end of January each year. For more information, including drop-off locations, go to www.recycleminnesota.org or call 651-641-4589

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 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.

Most wipes should be thrown out in “Trash Only” quad containers. Check for compostable certification, if it is certified, place in "Organics Recycling".If a department has a significant amount of clothing or textiles, contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu.

Donated clothes collection occurs at the end of each semester in the residence halls as part of the Pack & Give Back program. Contact Housing and Residential Life for details at housing@umn.edu or 612-624-2994. This is also open to residents of Marcy-Holmes, Southeast Como, Prospect Park, and Cedar-Riverside neighborhoods. If a department has a significant amount of clothing or textiles, contact the ReUse Program at reuse@umn.edu. If you want to leave a voicemail, call 612-626-9152.

Paper coffee cups should go in the Trash Only bin. These have a plastic lining to keep the liquid from degrading the paper. This lining cannot be removed easily, so these cups cannot be recycled. Plastic coffee cups should be put into the Trash Only bin as well. The Bottles and Cans recycling only accepts bottles and cans. If the cup is certified compostable, it can be put into an organics bin if present. The University Recycling Program is in the process of expanding "Organics Recycling" for compostable materials such as food scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, and tea bags. Only certain areas of campus currently have access to this program. Look for white buckets or bins that say "Organics Recycling".

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

The Office of Information Technology has contracts in place to pick up your computer products, CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other hardware free of charge. To schedule a pick-up contact Dynamic by emailing umn@dynamicrecycling.com (preferred method) or calling toll free at 877-781-4030.. U of M departments are still responsible for sanitizing all computer items that may contain data (e.g. hard drives, thumb drives) before the vendor picks them up for recycling. Students: The U of M bookstores operate the M Tech Trade-in program for electronics. Search for your item here. If your item has value, you will get paid to trade it in.

Decide whether a temporary confidential hamper is needed (this will be dropped off and picked up upon request--but does not permanently remain in your department), or if your department would like to purchase, or has purchased, a confidential toter to remain in your office. Call 612-625-6481 to schedule a confidential toter or hamper to be dropped off or picked up at your office. Please allow for a few days for the hamper or toter to arrive. If using a temporary hamper, please fill within two weeks for pick-up. Call 612-625-6481 to schedule the pick-up of the hamper, or the emptying of a toter. Please allow for a few days for the hamper or toter to be picked up.

Contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604.

If the cooler is Styrofoam, throw out in a “Trash Only” quad container. If the cooler is in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu.

The University Recycling Program is in the process of expanding "Organics Recycling" for compostable materials such as food scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, and tea bags. Only certain areas of campus currently have access to this program. Look for white buckets or bins that say "Organics Recycling". Natural corks are compostable and can be placed in "Organics Recycling". If a bucket or bin is not available, or if the cork is synthetic, they must be thrown out in the "Trash Only" quad containers.

Recyclable: corrugated (multi-layer) brown cardboard; paper packing materials; brown paper bags; 6-, 12-, and 24-pack beverage boxes; and unsoiled pizza boxes. (No cheese or sauce, little grease. Soiled pizza boxes are compostable.) To recycle: If large, flatten box and place next to quad recycling containers. If small, recycle in Newspaper Plus” quad recycling containers (gold lids). Packaging tape need not be removed. Not recyclable (Trash Only): refrigerator or freezer packaging/boxes, cardboard with glued-on foam, molded Styrofoam packaging, packaging peanuts, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, or waxed cardboard.

Cotton swabs/balls are not compostable UNLESS they are certified organic 100% cotton. Many non-certified cotton swabs/balls are actually partially made of synthetic materials like polyester. These should be thrown in "Trash Only"

If the crayons are in usable condition, contact the U of M Child Development Center at UMCCC@umn.edu or 612-625-2273. Otherwise, throw out in "Trash Only" quad containers.

Full or partially full bottles of detergents can be recycled in the residence halls at the end of each semester during the move-out collection events. Empty detergent bottles can be recycled in "Bottles and Cans" quad containers (maroon lids).

Contact Landcare at 612-625-7361.

The University Recycling Program is in the process of expanding "Organics Recycling" for compostable materials such as food scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, and tea bags. Only certain areas of campus currently have access to this program. Look for white buckets or bins that say "Organics Recycling". Disposable plates, cups, and bowls are compostable IF they are paper and do not have a plastic lining or IF they are marked "Compostable: Biodegraadable Products Institute / US Composting Council." Cutlery is compostable IF it is marked "Compostable: Biodegradable Products Institute / US Composting Council." These materials can be placed in the white "Organics Recycling" buckets. If a bucket is not available, then throw out these materials in the "Trash Only" quad containers. All other products - ordinary plastic plates, cups, bowls, cutlery - must be thrown out in "Trash Only" quad containers. Note: If you are having a zero-waste event, contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu.

Not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

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. Due to the concerns of prescription drug abuse, and the fact that some of these are highly regulated controlled substances, the only current options for collection must involve law enforcement staff. Several counties hold regularly scheduled events and more than 20 counties have set up permanent collection sites at local sheriff or police facilities. If you would like to bring your pharmaceuticals to one of these sites, contact your county sheriff’s office or city police office to find out if there is a permanent collection site near you. 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.

Not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

If the DVDs contain salable content, see our links to organizations that accepts donations or go to any other location that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations. Otherwise, DVDs and their cases are recyclable. 1. Separate DVDs from cases. 2. If cases have paper inserts, remove the inserts and recycle them in an "Office Paper" quad container (grey lid). 3. Package the DVDs and cases in separate compartments, envelopes, boxes or other containers depending on quantity. 4. Send the separated items to the Como Recycling Facility: 3009 Como Ave SE, Mail Code 5301 through Campus Mail, Attn: Dana.

The University Recycling Program is in the process of expanding "Organics Recycling" for compostable materials such as food scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, and tea bags. Only certain areas of campus currently have access to this program. Look for white buckets or bins that say "Organics Recycling". Molded pulp cartons (paper material) are compostable and can be placed in these white "Organics Recycling" buckets. If a bucket is not available they must be thrown out in the "Trash Only" quad containers. Styrofoam and plastic cartons are not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

See "Appliances."

Disposal of electronics is regulated by law. Unwanted electronics (e-waste) containing printed circuit boards, cathode ray tubes (e.g., computer monitors), and/or other displays are considered hazardous waste by the state of Minnesota if not managed for recycling, reuse, reclamation, or demanufacture. The following items are all considered hazardous electronic waste when no longer wanted: 1. Computer monitors and computers 2. Computer keyboards, mice, etc. 3. Printers, scanners & photocopiers 4. Circuit Boards 5. Televisions 6. Fax machines 7. Electric typewriters 8. Calculators 9. Laboratory equipment 10. Video monitors 11. Telephones & telecommunications equipment 12. Audio Equipment Departments: -The Office of Information Technology has contracts in place to pick up your computer products, CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other hardware free of charge. Contact Asset Recovery Corp at 651- 602-0789 to schedule a departmental computer equipment pickup. U of M departments are still responsible for sanitizing all computer items that may contain data (e.g. hard drives, thumb drives) before the vendor picks them up for recycling. -The University ReUse Program (612-626-9152) will arrange to collect electronic waste (note: IT must remove computer hard drivers before computers are sent to ReUse) and is free of charge. They maintain a warehouse to distribute non-computer electronics and other items back into the University community. Electronics not suitable for use are sent to the University's electronics recycling contractor. They will also collect "mixed loads" containing both computer and non-computer electronics. Students: The U of M bookstores operate the M Tech Trade-in program for electronics. If your item has value, you will get paid to trade it in. See links below.

Recycle white and manila (buff or light tan color) envelopes in “Office Paper” quad containers (grey lids). Recycle brown envelopes in “Newspaper Plus” quad containers (gold lids). Envelopes with windows and labels are acceptable.

Drop off at Boynton Eye Clinic (410 Church Street S.E., Mpls, MN 55455). Contact bh-optic@umn.edu or 612-624-2107 for questions.

Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers or in bathroom stall trash cans. Do not place in regular bathroom trash cans (organic materials only, i.e. paper towels only).

Contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or 612-626-1604.

Not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

Not recyclable or compostable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers.

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

Small quantities of foam should be thrown out in "Trash Only" quad containers. If you have a large volume, contact the Recycling Program at 612-625-8084 or recycle@umn.edu.

If in usable condition: contact ReUse at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. For large volumes, contact the Waste Abatement Services office at 612-625-6481 to request a hamper drop-off at your building's dock. If not in usable condition: manila (buff or light tan color) folders can be recycled in "Office Paper" quad containers (grey lids). Dark and brightly colored folders (e.g. two-pocket folders) are considered cardboard and can be recycled in "Newspaper Plus" quad containers (gold lids). Plastic folders should be thrown out in "Trash Only" quad containers. Note: Dark and brightly colored paper cannot be recycled; place in "Organics Recycling" for composting or throw out in "Trash Only" quad containers.

The University Recycling Program is in the process of expanding "Organics Recycling" for compostable materials such as food scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, and tea bags. Only certain areas of campus currently have access to this program. Look for white buckets or bins that say "Organics Recycling". Any type of food waste (coffee grounds, tea bags, bones, egg shells, produce, grains, etc.) is compostable and can be placed in these white "Organics Recycling" buckets. If a bucket is not available, food waste should be thrown out in the "Trash Only" quad containers.

Not recyclable. Throw out in “Trash Only” quad containers. These containers are coated with a film that prevents them from being recyclable.

If you are from a department and the furniture is in usable condition, contact the ReUse Program at 612-626-9152 or reuse@umn.edu. If your furniture is broken, bring the appliance to the Como Recycling Facility (either by departmental vehicle or contracted mover). Disposal costs 4 cents/pound. If you are not from a department, see Sharing and Caring Hands, Disabled American Veterans, or any other organization that accepts donations. Some organizations not only accept donation drop-offs, but can also schedule pick-ups for donations.