About
The objective of single-stream recycling is to reduce the overall amount of waste sent to landfills. The University’s move to single-stream recycling has increased the volume of recyclables, prompting the need for larger recycling containers and smaller trash containers in many locations.
The Warehouse & Delivery Department is committed to reducing our waste by recycling. Various types of recycling take place on campus. They include:
- Single Stream Recycling
- Battery Recycling
- Fluorescent Light Bulb Tube Recycling
- Ink Jet Cartridge Recycling
- Wood Recycling
- Scrap Iron Recycling
- Electronics Recycling
For special pick-ups call (574) 631-7026.
New, New, and New! Recycling at ND is better than ever!
New Bag Color
We've made the switch. Bags used to collect recyclables are now clear and trash bags are now black. This change will allow the University to recover as many clean recyclables as possible. Transparent bags allow those who collect waste on campus to easily identify whether the contents are clean and recyclable. If the recycling bag contains something that would contaminate other items, like a half-eaten sandwich, the bag becomes trash. Better detection of contamination allows the University to increase the overall amount of clean recycling.
New Containers
Much of the greening that takes place at Notre Dame happens behind the scenes. Recently, many of the large trash compactors have been converted to handle the increasing volume of single stream recycling while smaller dumpsters have been added to handle the trash. In addition, new recycling compactors have been installed at multiple sites on campus. Outdoors dumpsters with yellow lids indicate where clear recycling bags go, and dumpsters with black lids designate where the black trash bags are placed.
New Collection Process
While single stream has made it easy for people on campus to recycle, the collection of all those recyclables was challenging. The new collection process allows building staff to put the clear recycling bags directly into on site compactors for pick-up by Waste Management trucks. This results in greater efficiency, less transportation, and ultimately a higher campus recycling rate because the process is more user-friendly.
New Compactors
The purchase of new single-stream compactors demonstrates the University’s commitment to waste reduction. Twenty-two of these trash-to-recycling conversions have been completed since the fall of 2008, including the West Quad dorms, Fischer Graduate Town Homes, the Morris Inn, the Joyce Center, Soccer/Lacrosse fields, and North and South Dining Halls.