Think before you throw it away!
A number of items can be reused or recycled instead of landfilled! UMSL Sustainability helps with small collection programs to assist with the reuse & recycling of certain items, so check out each tab to learn more about collection programs for those items.
Batteries
UMSL Sustainability is piloting a program to recycle batteries. Please contact UMSL Sustainability to make an appointment to drop off any batteries that are purchased & used here on campus.
Contact Lenses
UMSL Optometry has paired with Terracycle in order to provide a recycling solution for contact lenses and blister packs. Located in the Patient Care Center, there is a green and white bin where these can be placed. To learn more about the program itself, you can also visit the Terracycle website.
Eyeglasses
The UMSL Pre-Optometry Club collects unwanted eyeglasses. The collection box can usually be found at the front desk of the UMSL Eye Center (currently located in Marillac Hall).
Electronics and "Techno Trash"
SMALL PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
Some small electronics, such as cell phones and graphing calculators, can be accepted through the Terracycle program run by the UMSL Sustainability Department. Please click here for a list of those items.
SENSITIVE DATA (DRIVES & DISKS)
The UMSL Information Technology Services Department can assist you in securely disposing of electronic media. ITS has placed secure media dropboxes at the Technology Support Center and the South Campus Classroom Building, or you can also use intercampus mail to send it directly to the ITS Data Center (404 Computer Center Building).
EQUIPMENT (TVs, COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS, ETC)
All University-purchased equipment should go to the Surplus Department. This includes laptops, desktops, televisions, and audiovisual equipment.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING (E-CYCLE)
In the past, the UMSL Alumni Association has partnered with UMSL Sustainability to host an electronics recycling drive. Stay up-to-date on current recycling events sponsored by UMSL Sustainability with the e-newsletter or via our social media outlets. for more information about how to get rid of your unwanted gadgets on campus this summer.
You can also always check out the E-Cycle Missouri website for drop-off locations open year-round in the region.
Hazardous Waste
Please contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department if you believe you have hazardous waste on campus and need assistance with the proper disposal.
Household hazardous waste - items from your personal residence - can now be disposed of year round at the St. Louis Household Hazardous Waste Lemay facility.
Magazines
UMSL Sustainability collects magazines for reuse in a literacy project. Please send an email to waste@umsl.edu if you have magazines ready to be picked up.
Document Shredding
Document shredding is actually a great way to make sure your confidential documents are destroyed - and recycled!
Currently, the University of Missouri - St. Louis has a contract with Shred-It.
Each University office or department in need of paper shredding services works independently with a representative of Shred-It to make sure their office's shred bin is emptied on a consistent schedule. For more information about how to contact the UMSL Shred-It rep, please contact the UMSL Sustainability department.
G.O.O.S.E. Paper
Good On One Side, & Eco-friendly Paper, or G.O.O.S.E. Paper, is a great way to be environmentally friendly if you don't need to shred your paper for any confidentiality reasons. The idea behind G.O.O.S.E. paper is pretty simple; designate a bin or some kind of container that students and staff can toss their partially used paper in. This can then be used to serve as scrap paper for others when they just want to jot some things down or only need a small amount of paper. If these bins get too full, members of UMSL's SUCCEED program will come by and collect the excess scraps for repurposing. Inquire with us at waste@umsl.edu with any collection requests or questions!
Shoes
The University of Missouri - St. Louis participates in a local challenge known as "The Battle for the Boot" every Spring semester. In the "Battle for the Boot," UMSL competes against local universities here in St. Louis to collect shoes for the Shoeman Water Projects.
This Spring, you'll always find the drop-off boxes in the MSC & SSB buildings on North Campus and in Marillac Hall & the Provincial House on South Campus. Contact UMSL Sustainability for more information about where to drop off shoes to help UMSL win!
