Chicago Campus Offices
Recycling
Sustainability
How to recycle
- Blue bins are provided for recycling; please do not use them for garbage. (For a trashcan, contact your department office.) If you need a recycling bin or bin labels, contact NU Recycling. Download descriptions of the available bins and the bin labels used on campus.
See information about computer recycling. - Two separate mixes of recyclables are collected:
Paper/Cardboard is collected in designated desk-side and central bins. (Employees must empty desk-side bins into central paper bins.)
Cans/Glass/Plastic is collected in designated central bins.
What to recycle
Paper/CARDBOARD
| ACCEPTABLE: | NOT ACCEPTABLE: |
| Brochures and flyers | Food wrappers |
| White and colored paper | Paper cups or plates |
| Junk mail |
Paper towels, napkins, or tissues |
| Magazines and catalogs | Laminated paper and stickers |
| Cardboard (Note: Please flatten all boxes and place them in or next to the bin) | Hardcover books (contact NU Recycling if you have hardcover books to recycle) |
| Newspapers | Hanging file folders |
| Envelopes (all colors and windowed) | |
| Paperboard (cereal boxes, etc.) | |
| Paperback books | |
| Paper bags |
Cans, Glass, Plastic
| ACCEPTABLE: | NOT ACCEPTABLE: |
| Aluminum and steel cans | Plastic bags |
| Glass bottles and jars | Items contaminated by lab waste |
| Plastic containers #1-#5 (includes bottles and jugs, yogurt cups and tubs, grocery containers, and 6-pack rings) | Plastic containers #6 (polystyrene or Styrofoam) or #7 |
| Aluminum foil and trays | Paint or aerosol cans |
| Aseptic packaging (drink boxes, milk and juice cartons, etc.) | Ceramics or drinking glasses |
Note: Please empty all containers before recycling.
LASER & INK CARTRIDGE RECYCLING
- Laser and ink jet cartridges (not copier toner) can be sent in a box or envelope via campus mail (attn: Cartridge Recycling) to the following addresses:
Evanston Campus:
Mail Services
2020 Ridge Ave.
EV 4314
Chicago Campus:
Mail Services
300 E. Superior, B-601
CH
Note: For questions or cartridge mailing labels, contact NU Recycling at 7-1374 or nurecycle@northwestern.edu.
COMPUTER/ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
- Computers, printers, and peripherals can be recycled through University Services’ eCycling program.
A greener office
Recycling is a fundamental part of green office operations, but there are other things you can do as well:
Reduce waste
- Proof documents on the computer instead of printing numerous drafts.
- Use dual-sided copying whenever possible.
- Eliminate disposables whenever possible and don't buy Styrofoam.
- Purchase long-lasting products.
- Reevaluate quantities needed for reports and publications or consider electronic versions instead of print.
Reuse supplies
- Use a reusable mug or water bottle.
- Reuse file folders and corrugated boxes.
- Use the back of used paper or obsolete forms for scratch pads and drafts.
Buy recycled
- Buy refurbished or recycled-content products.
- Look for a high percentage of post-consumer content. "Post-consumer" materials have reached their end use and been collected from homes and businesses as opposed to scrap from within the manufacturing process.
Additional information
- Download the Sustainable Office Checklist for more ideas on keeping your office green.
- Download a PDF version of this information for Chicago Offices.
