How do I recycle on campus?
Single-stream recycling has returned to the campus on a broader scale once again. To make the process more effective and ensure that our recyclables are being properly recycled, we need to refocus our efforts on collecting clean and contaminant-free recyclables. The Building Services and Recycling Services team members, along with the Office of Sustainability staff have been working to reintroduce single-stream recycling across campus via the centralized toter system, which works just like your municipal recycling pick-up system at home. During the 2023-2024 academic year, recycling is expanding across campus to become more accessible in residence halls with piloted updates in academic spaces.
Still have questions about what to recycle? Use the A-Z recycling directory for additional help.
Items not accepted in campus single-stream recycling
What does not go in the recycling bin?
- Batteries or electronics
- Food or liquid
- Hazardous material or oils
- Light bulbs
- Plastic bags, food wrapping, or film
- Styrofoam
- Used tissues, wet paper towels, and broken household items – these go in the trash!
Specialty Campus Recycling
For specialty item recycling:
- Any flattened cardboard placed in a designated cart next to a trash dumpster will be picked up by Notre Dame’s recycling crew. If you have an abundance of cardboard, please submit an AiM work order to schedule a pick-up. Note: during move-in week 2021, Notre Dame was able to collect two tons of cardboard for recycling!
- Electronics and Small Kitchen Appliances - For obsolete electronics, submit an AiM work order using the problem code of RECYCLING. For all other electronics and small kitchen appliances, submit an AiM work order using the problem code SURPLUS. Smaller electronic and small kitchen appliance items MUST be in a container for pick-up.
- Broken household items – these go in the trash!
- Batteries and non-university cell phones: These go in the battery buckets, located in Hammes Mowbray Lobby, DeBartolo Hall Help Desk Room 115, outside the former ITC Building Computer Service and Repair Office, Rockne Memorial Building Front Desk, and the Main Building West Side Entrance Recycling Station.
- University Cell Phones, Tablets, and Computers: submit an AiM work order using the problem code of SURPLUS to schedule a pick-up.
- Toner Cartridges: Submit an AiM Work Request using the problem code RECYCLING to schedule a pick-up. Please be specific to the location, the number of cartridges to be picked up, and include a contact name and phone number.
What if I am missing a recycling toter?
To request a recycling toter, please email buildser@nd.edu or call (574)-631-5615
How do I recycle off-campus?
- Non-university paint, pesticides, aerosols, products that contain mercury, and tires: These items can be disposed of through St. Joseph’s County Solid Waste Management. Visit their website for more information about accepted materials and drop-off locations.
- Paper/Plastic/Glass/Aluminum: Single stream is common off-campus but please check your local township for specifics on accepted items: City of Mishawaka and South Bend
- CFL light bulbs: Intact bulbs can be disposed of at St. Joseph’s County Solid Waste Management Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site as well as some local hardware stores.
- Electronics & Appliances: The Solid Waste Management District of St. Joseph County collects obsolete electronics at the District Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) location, and all electronics are accepted free of charge. Best Buy also accepts outdated electronics for recycling (some are accepted free of charge, some are accepted for recycling for a fee). Please check their website before visiting.
Any general questions, please contact the Office of Sustainability via email at green@nd.edu.