Is it recyclable?

Demand for recyclables has plummeted globally and WSU is making changes in how and what kinds of items will be accepted across the Pullman campus. Here’s a list of what will and won’t be accepted at WSU Pullman co-mingled recycling bins:

Items accepted

Please make sure to remove/rinse food and other contaminants from items before recycling.

Paper:

  • Mixed paper
  • Magazines
  • Catalogs
  • Newspaper
  • Junk mail (window envelops OK)
  • Cardboard
  • Paper board (cereal/mac & cheese)
  • Paper bags/sacks
  • Gift wrap

Metal:

  • Aluminum beverage cans
  • Tin cans
  • Aluminum foil

Plastic:

  • #1 PETE (water bottles, soda bottles and some food containers and utensils)
  • #2 HDPE Natural (empty plastic milk jugs)
  • #2 HDPE Colored (empty detergent bottles)

Items not accepted

Containers containing or contaminated by food or liquid.

Paper:

  • Tissue paper
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Waxed/Plastic coated paper
  • Waxed/plastic coated cardboard
  • Ice cream cartons
  • Frozen juice containers
  • Pet food bags/containers
  • Milk cartons
  • Juice boxes
  • Shredded paper (please leave in bag)

Metal:

  • Scrap metal
  • Foil food/drink pouches

Plastic:

  • #3 – #7 plastics
  • Film plastic (plastic bags)
  • Plastic party trays and lids
  • Takeout containers
  • Plastic cups
  • Plastic utensils
  • Candy wrappers
  • Prescription medicine containers
  • Plastic bottle caps
  • Plastic container lids

Styrofoam:

  • Styrofoam of any type
  • Packing peanuts

Glass:

  • Glass bottles & jars
  • All other glass
  • Ceramic of any kind
  • Dishes

Household:

  • Clothes hangers (wire/plastic)
  • Batteries
  • Tires
  • Food waste
  • Garbage

Toxic/chemical:

  • Automotive product containers
  • Garden product containers
  • Cleaning product containers
  • Aerosol cans

Items accepted in compost

In dining areas and food courts:

  • Food only (post-consumer and pre-consumer)
  • Napkins or other non-coated paper in small amounts or if processed by pulper
  • May use biodegradable bags as can liners

Items not accepted in compost

  • Any type of metal
  • Any type of plastic (including plant-based)
  • Any coated paper
  • Any food containers
  • Any take out containers

Items accepted as office paper

  • White paper
  • Pastels
  • Shredded paper

Items not accepted as office paper

  • Brown paper
  • Paper board
  • Newsprint
  • Drink cups
  • Magazines

Items accepted in cardboard

  • Corrugated cardboard (please break down boxes)
  • Pizza boxes (empty)
  • Paper board
  • Brown kraft paper

Items not accepted in cardboard

  • Styrofoam of any type
  • Packing peanuts
  • Plastic bags and wrapping
  • Food
  • Household waste

Source: WSU Facilities Operations Waste Management