The materials that are accepted by the WSU Recycling have been changed and may change again overtime as markets for recycled materials continue to evolve in response to changing world export markets. The new list of accepted materials for mixed recycling as of Oct. 15 is as follows:
Mixed Public Area Containers
- #1 (PETE) Plastic Bottles
- #2 (HDPE) Plastic Jugs
- Aluminum Cans
- Steel Cans
Separate collection of cardboard and office paper remains the same
The materials on this list are materials that have a positive market value. We can be assured that these materials will actually be processed and re-used. You may note the absence of mixed grade paper, which is traditionally a very low value material. There is no market for mixed paper at this time and its presence in the mixed recycling greatly devalues the other material.
It is our belief that given time (2-4 years), domestic markets and infrastructure will develop and we have end markets for clean mixed paper. In the meantime, items that are not on the list should go into the landfill waste containers.
If you have questions please contact
Rick Finch, finchr@wsu.edu or Ron Redman, rlredman@wsu.edu
