REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE:

Learn how to reduce consumption, reduce waste, recycling on campus, and compost.

• Reduce. Conserve resources by using, buying, and wasting less.
• Re-Use. Choose reusable instead of disposable items, from water bottles/coffee cups to shopping bags!
• Recycle. Sort your recycling: learn what can be recycled, clean and empty your recyclables.
• Compost. You can compost in the dining hall, Commons, or order compost bins for your events!

SORTING MADE EASY:

• Recycling is now single stream, meaning all recyclables are collected in any recycling bin.
• Paper is no longer sorted separate from other recyclables such as plastic, glass, or metal.
• Click to view & print informational posters:

Learn more, and request UMBC’s standard bins or labels for waste or recycling:

http://fm.umbc.edu/recycling-and-composting/

How to sort packaging for each dining option in the Commons:

COMPOST

WHAT TO COMPOST

• All Food Waste: All left over food, no oil or liquids.
• Soiled Paper Product: used napkins, paper cups, paper plates etc.
• Plant-based Packaging (see the full list)

COMPOST LOCATIONS

• True Grits Dining Hall (all food waste is composted from the kitchen and used dishes)
• The Commons (labeled green slots in waste bins)
• The compost bin at the community garden (food waste only)

WHY COMPOST 

• Composting allows food and plants to decompose into fertile soil.
• Waste decomposing in a landfill without oxygen creates methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
• Learn more about composting at epa.gov!

Zero Waste Events: 

• Choose compostable dishware and flatware for your next event
• Student groups can request a portable compost & recycling bin and pick up service through events services  
• Departments can request portable bins for events through or work control!
• The new SGA Green Paws fund allows student organizations to acquire plant based compostable materials at no additional cost.
• Learn more about planning green events: http://sustainability.umbc.edu/events/

RECYCLE

WHAT TO RECYCLE

• Glass, plastic, metal, paper, and cardboard can all go in our recycling bins. Look for the blue bags & stickers!
• Recycling should be clean and dry. No plastic bags or plastic film in recycling bins.
• Recycling became single stream (meaning no more sorting out paper) in Spring ’18.

WHERE TO RECYCLE

• Residents and offices are asked to supply their own recycling bins for personal spaces.
• Facilities provides bins in building lobbies and main hallways, as well as outdoors.
• Recycling bins are available through Facilities Management.

OTHER RECYCLABLES (BULK, ELECTRONICS, ETC.)

• Paper Shredding: UMBC’s central service for bulk paper shredding. http://procurement.umbc.edu/campus-contracts/
• Bulk items such as furniture and electronics get a new life with UMBC’s donation program through Facilities Management.
• Ink Cartridges and Batteries can be recycled at the Commons Information Desk or through Facilities Management.
• Electronics recycling: Facilities Management holds popular E-cycling drives each semester.  In fact, Baltimore County requires we recycle e-waste to prevent contamination.
  

  Recycling 101:

  • Learn more about recycling at UMBC Join Student groups can request a portable compost & recycling bin and pick up service through events services  
  • Join the Recycling and Waste Reduction Work Group of the Climate Action Steering Committee.
  • Learn more about what can be recycled and where our recycling goes with Republic Services

REDUCE & REUSE 

• Learn how to update your printer settings to double sided!
• Skip the disposable cups and bottles- instead bring your own to save money and waste!
• UMBC offers discounts at the register for refilling your own coffee mug on campus.
• Several water bottle refilling stations are located around campus (such as the Commons, Library, and Residence Halls)
• Don’t just toss plastic bags & waxy receipt, let the cashier know if you don’t need one.
• Donate bulk items such as furniture through Facilities Management, Retriever Exchange or Retriever Treasure.