Every day, the OSU community generates approximately 20,000 pounds of solid waste. More than half of that waste is currently being diverted from the landfill and is being recycled or reused. While we focus on waste reduction reuse and recycling, there will always be some items that must be sent to the landfill as trash.
Two-thirds of the solid waste generated at OSU is recyclable and should be placed in proper containers. This includes all paper, cardboard, bottles/cans, scrap wood and metal waste. Items that are not recyclable include all scrap food waste, paper cups (including coffee cups), Styrofoam packaging blocks, wax coated cardboard and paper, used napkins/paper towels, and any item that is contaminated with food. All of these items must be thrown away.
Along with recyclable items, there are other materials that can not be placed into the trash. This includes:
Any material considered as hazardous by Valley Landfills or Environmental Health and Safety. Contact Environmental Health and Safety for proper disposal
Any property owned by the university, regardless of condition (including broken computer components and cables). All material owned by the university must be disposed of through Surplus Property.
The schedule for trash pickups varies around campus; contact your building manager to find out when your personal trash can is emptied. To find out when the exterior dumpster is emptied, call Campus Recycling.
Questions about odd or unusual items? Call Campus Recycling at 737-2925 or e-mail us at Recycle@oregonstate.edu.