Recycling
Like they say, it's always better the second time around.
And, recycling in the residence halls and apartments is being made easier and more accessible each year. Residents and staff living or working in the residence halls and apartments at UB are expected to fully comply with the Residence Life Recycling and Energy Conservation Policy.
So, what CAN be recycled?
You can recycle all paper, all glass, all plastic, metals, cardboard and batteries. Glass, plastic, and metals are referred to as "Co-mingles". They need NOT be separated, mix together. Always remember to:
- Wipe out and rinse all food containers such as glass jars, plastic containers and aluminum cans.
- Empty out any liquids in the sink before recycling co-mingles
- Keep paper and co-mingles separate to avoid food contamination.
- Flatten down cardboard boxes/packaging and stack up or fit inside each other.
What CANNOT be recycled?
This lists items not accepted for recycling:
- milk cartons
- paper cups (Coca-cola cups from campus food areas)
- wax paper
- dirty tin foil (quickly rinse off tin foil and recycle it)
- tissues
- candy wrappers
- plastic bags (you can recycle these at your local grocery store)
- pizza boxes
Recycling bin locations
It's easy and convenient to recycle in the halls. Recycling bins and facilities are located in every building. They are usually located in kitchens, lounges and other areas - which vary from building to building.
Making the program work...
As all state institutions are, the University is mandated by the state to recycle at least 50% of its waste. For a full explanation of this mandate take a look at the 1988 New York State Solid Waste Management Act. To reach this goal, all residents must participate in the Recycling Program. Everyone must do their part for the program's success.
As part of the University's commitment to environmental stewardship, every single room in our residence halls now has a Code of Conservation sticker on the back of the door to encourage all residents, faculty, and staff to demonstrate environmental awareness in daily routines. The Code has guidelines for recycling, energy conservation, and water conservation. Quick conservation tip stickers are now in all residence hall bathrooms.
Contact Us
If anyone has any questions or suggestions about the program or your floor needs more recycling bins, feel free to call the housing recycling contact, Garry Soehner, Associate Director for Ecology at 645-5620.
Resources
- Residential Recycling Guide PDF (103KB)
- Results: What Have You Thrown Out Today 4/23/08 PDF (30KB)| Word (38KB)
New York State Solid Waste Management Act of 1988
The NYS Solid Waste Management Act of 1988 mandates that all state institutions recycle at least 50% of their waste stream. As of 1998, the University of Buffalo is recycling approximately 33% of its waste stream. All areas on campus including University Facilities, Campus Food Services, and the Residence Halls and Apartments contribute to UB's overall waste stream. Therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to help reach the state mandated goal.
