Campus Recycling

Campus Recycling FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I put my recyclables?

Campus Recycling has more than 3,600 pickup locations distributed amongst 74 buildings on campus. To find the location nearest you, check our "Recycle Locations" link. Additionally, Campus Recycling has 60 exterior Walkway Recycling containers for use by pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Do you recycle Styrofoam?

Campus Recycling does accept Styrofoam Packaging Peanuts to be reused (box/bag them, write "recycle" & place in shipping area or request pickup using our online service request form).

We DO NOT accept Styrofoam blocks. If you wish to recycle this material, please contact the First Alternative Co-Op regarding their Styrofoam recycling program. If you are expecting a very large influx of Styrofoam (e.g. large order of computers), we may be able to help you arrange transportation to the co-op; please contact us.

Do you recycle Batteries?

Based on EPA and DEQ guidelines, batteries require special handling as a potential hazardous waste. The university's Health and Human Safety Department will accept these items for recycling and disposal. Campus Recycling has placed collection bins at several locations on campus, including the entrances to the Valley Library, Marketplace West, and McNary Dining Center. For more information, contact Pete Schoonover at Environmental Health and Safety at 737-4552 or e-mail : pete.schoonover@oregonstate.edu.

Can I put broken lab glass in with the glass recycling?

No. Lab glass is not recyclable due to its heat-resistant treatment and placing it in with other glass forces us to throw away the whole load. There are companies who will remanufacture or repair specialty lab-ware. However, for most items, this is not a cost-effective alternative. Clean, broken lab glass should be placed in the trash.

I am about to clean-out my office, can you pick-up my bags more often?

Each week, Campus Recycling collects more than 10 tons of paper from the buildings on campus. With that type of volume, it is difficult for us to deviate from our normal route schedule. We do have alternatives for the extra amount of paper generated when offices are cleaned-out.

• Clean-out Carts: We can loan you one or two large carts for recycling your paper. These carts will hold enough paper to fill five or six bags and will help you finish your clean-out faster. You can keep the carts in or near your office and we will replace them when they are filled. Once you are done, we will take the carts away.
• Extra bags: If you dont have room for a cart or if there is no elevator access, we can give you an extra supply of bags for your office. Just fill the bags and we will pick them up.
• Special Pick-up: If all else fails, we can make a special trip to empty the bags in your area. We have one driver dedicated to special requests such as this.

For information on our special services, please contact us at recycle@oregonstate.edu or call us at 737-2925. A special pick-up or drop-off can be scheduled by filling out our Service Request form through our web-site. Please Allow up to 24 hours for your request to be filled.

What is the difference between recycling and confidential destruction?

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-30-060) have specific requirements for the types of information that must be destroyed and how that destruction must be accomplished (see our Confidential Materials web page for more information). This material is kept separate from the normal recycling and is shredded in compliance with OAR.