Paper: Include paper cups, newspapers, magazines, windowed envelopes, shredded paper
Food tins and drink cans: Include aluminum, steel and tin cans, drink cans, mteal lids
Plastic bottles, food containers: Include drink bottles, to-go containers, plastic jugs, all plastics
Mixed glass bottles and jars: Include bottles and jars of all colors
Cardboard: Include pizza boxes, shipping boxes, to-go containers, corrugated cardboard
Cartons: Include aspetic packages (boxes and pouches) and gable-top containers
Please do not include
Contact the UMSL Sustainability team at waste@umsl.edu for more information about waste reduction efforts on campus.
Every year, UMSL participates in the national Campus Race to Zero Waster (formerly Recyclemania) competition:
Recycling at UMSL is easy! We have "single stream" recycling on campus. Single-stream (also known as "commingled" or "single-sort") recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals, and other containers are mixed together, instead of being sorted into separate commodities and handled separately throughout the collection process.
What goes in single stream recycling? "Stick with the Six" is an easy way to remember!
At UMSL, after the recycling bins inside the buildings are emptied, the recyclables are placed in the Republic Services recycling dumpster can outside, usually near the the building's loading dock area. The recycling dumpster can has a WHITE lid, which distinguishes it from the trash dumpster.Anyone can put items in a recycling dumpster can, but we ask that you make sure NO PLASTIC BAGS - including trash can liners - end up in the recycling dumpster can.
After Republic Services picks up the recyclables, they sort them back out at the Material Recovery Facility. To learn more about how our trash & recycling hauler processes recyclables in single stream collection, check out their video.
Centralized waste stations are being created in office suites to help UMSL recycle more. Larger bins — one for mixed recyclables and one for trash — will be placed in central locations in each office suite. Faculty and staff will then be asked to take their items to the centralized locations. Individual desk-side bins will no longer be emptied by custodians, who will instead focus on emptying these centralized stations.
Questions about this program? Check out our list of FAQ's, or reach out to waste@umsl.edu.
Centralized trash & recycling bins are slowly being deployed to office suites across campus. Contact the UMSL Sustainability Office if you're interested in helping with this project!
You'll also find recycling bins in common areas, like hallways and lounges. If you see a public space where bins are needed, please fill out this form to request a recycling bin.
There are numerous recycling drop-off centers close to campus. See a map of the nearest recycling drop-off locations. You can also visit stlcityrecycles.com for more information!
What is Surplus Property? Surplus Property is a part of the Procurement Services Department and is responsible for the disposal, re-distribution, and/or sale of used equipment/property that the University of Missouri and other Mid-Missouri government agencies and educational institutions no longer use. It's a great example of reuse here on campus.
Want purchase something from Surplus? Check out when public sales are held and who can purchase from Surplus Property.
Got something to get rid of? Questions about disposing of government property? Check in with the UM System team about the Surplus Property Procedures.
Think before you throw! Check out our page on other waste reduction efforts for even more items that can be reused or recycled at UMSL!
Check in with the UM System Surplus team about the Surplus Property Procedures and check out when public sales are held and who can purchase from Surplus Property.
The UMSL Sustainability Office is the proud recipient of grants from the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District and Keep America Beautiful.
