MenuWhat You Can Recycle at NU
Blue bins are provided for recycling; please do not use them for garbage. If you need a recycling bin or bin labels, email NU Recycling at recycling@northwestern.edu or call 847-467-1374. For a trashcan, contact your department office.
Paper/Cardboard
| Acceptable: | Not Acceptable: |
|---|---|
| Brochures & flyers | Food Wrappers |
| White & colored paper | Paper cups or plates |
| Cardboard | Paper towels, napkins or tissues |
| Magazines & catalogs | Laminated paper & stickers |
| Junk mail | Hardcover books |
| Newspaper | Hanging file folders |
| Envelopes (all colors & windowed) | Laminated paper and stickers |
| Paperboard (cereal boxes, etc.) | |
| Paperback books | |
| Paper bags |
Please flatten all boxes and place in or next to a paper bin.
Cans/Glass/Plastic Containers
| Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Aluminum & steel cans | Plastic bags |
| Glass bottles & jars | #6 plastic (aka polystyrene or Styrofoam) |
| Plastic containers #1 - #5 (includes bottles & jugs, yogurt cups & tubs, grocery containers & 6-pack rings) | #7 plastics |
| Aluminum foil & trays |
Items contaminated by lab waste |
| Aseptic packaging (drink boxes, milk & juice cartons, etc) | Ceramics or drinking glasses |
Please empty all containers.
Laser and Ink Cartridge Recycling
Staff
Laser and ink jet cartridges 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 847-467-1374.
Students
Ink cartridges are collected for recycling in residence hall mailrooms. This effort is brought to you by ECO, Environmental Campus Outreach at Hillel.
Computer/electronics recycling (e-waste)
Computers, printers, and peripherals can be recycled through University Services’ eCycling program.
Battery recycling
Staff
The Office of Research Safety (ORS) handles campus hazardous waste and recycles some batteries (p. 8). As Alkaline batteries (such as AA and AAA) are not considered hazardous by the US EPA, ORS does not collect them.
Students
Batteries are collected for recycling in residence hall mailrooms. This effort is brought to you by ECO, Environmental Campus Outreach at Hillel.
Lamp recycling (cfl’s and other fluorescents)
Staff
Lamps are replaced by custodians and electricians who collect them for proper handling. If you have a spent lamp, please contact Facilities Management.
Students
Place lamp in a sealed bag and give to Housekeeping staff for proper disposal.
