Office waste reduction tips
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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.
- Chicago Campus: Employees must empty desk-side bins into central paper bins.
- Chicago campus only: Employees must empty desk-side bins into central paper bins.
- Two separate mixes of recyclables are collected:
Paper/Cardboard is collected in designated desk-side and central bins.
Cans/Glass/Plastic is collected in designated central bins.
Greening the 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.
GREEN OFFICE CERTIFICATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Download the Sustainable Office Checklist 
for more ideas on keeping your office green.
Download a PDF version of this information for Evanston Offices .
Download a PDF version of this information for Chicago Offices .
