Responsible Waste Disposal at UToledo: Enhancing Sustainability on Campus
After minimizing waste through recycling, reducing, and reusing, proper disposal is the last step. Effective waste management helps prevent contamination and reduces landfill waste, supporting a sustainable campus that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and AASHE initiatives. By responsibly managing waste, we contribute to a healthier Planet, ensure resources for People, and enhance economic Profit through minimized waste management costs.
Items That Cannot Be Recycled
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Glossy, Plastic-Coated Materials
- Examples: Paper coffee cups, shopping receipts, juice boxes, zip-lock bags, candy wrappers, and chip bags.
- Action: Dispose of these items properly, as the plastic coating makes them non-recyclable. Opt for alternatives with less plastic or bring reusable options, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
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Plastic Grocery Bags
- These require special recycling equipment and should not be placed in regular recycling bins.
- Action: Bring them to participating retailers like Target, Walmart, or Goodwill. Use reusable grocery bags whenever possible to support a waste-free future, focusing on sustainable living for People and the Planet.
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Food-Contaminated Materials
- Items like greasy pizza boxes, used paper towels, and napkins.
- Action: Remove greasy layers from pizza boxes or rinse used containers before disposing of them. When this is not possible, ensure these items go to disposal bins to avoid recycling contamination, reflecting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
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Foam Polystyrene (e.g., Packaging Peanuts)
- Also known as Styrofoam, this material cannot be recycled through traditional systems.
- Action: Properly dispose of foam materials or explore local take-back programs. Choose alternatives like biodegradable packaging whenever possible, enhancing Planet sustainability.
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When In Doubt, Throw It Out
- Unsure items should be disposed of in trash bins to prevent recycling contamination.
- Contaminated recycling disrupts processing, reduces commodity values, and increases costs hindering economic Profit. Proper disposal upholds sustainability efforts on campus, in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).