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