Want to become better at waste reduction and recycling?  Check out this list of tips!

• Compost Program
  Since the start of the program in August, we have collected over 20,000 pounds of material, which is used to make biogas and organic fertilizer.  Do your part by putting food waste, napkins, and paper plates in the designated containers at Founders and BB’s.
• Green Games
  The Office of Sustainability hosted its first green game on 1/25.  During this game we diverted 95% of our waste from the landfill, by composting and recycling!  Our second green game of the year will be 2/21.  If you would like to volunteer or want more info, please email sustainenergy@valpo.edu.
  
• Never Bag Your Recyclables
  Bagged recyclables and flexible plastics are difficult to sort and can damage machinery at the recycling facility.  Anything in a bag will be thrown away!
• Plastic Film Recycling
  While plastic bags and film can’t be put into campus mixed recycling bins, campus mail sends it to a processer that turns it into recycled plastic decking.  Students can drop this material off in the bins located in the residence hall trash rooms, or at the mail center.  Faculty and staff, if you would like a bin to collect this material please email sustainenergy@valpo.edu.
• Shredded Paper Recycling
  Due to its size, shredded paper can’t be recycled in campus mixed recycling containers.  However, we will pick up bags of shredded paper from your building and drop it off at a processor that accepts this material.  Fill out this form when you have shredded paper that’s ready to be picked up.
• Coffee Pod Recycling
  Single use coffee pods (K-Cups) can’t be recycled in campus mixed recycling containers.  However, we participate in a program to recycle these through TerraCycle.  Students can drop off their coffee pods in the commuter kitchen, located in the CCLIR community room. Faculty and Staff, if your department would like a container to collect these in, please contact sustainenergy@valpo.edu.
• Batteries and Electronics
  Used batteries should be placed in the buckets located in each building.  If you have broken electronics that are not owned by the university (i.e. personal printers, keyboards, etc), please fill out this form to have these items picked up.
• Non-Recyclable Items
  You may be surprised to learn that the following items aren’t accepted for recycling:
  Plastic bags, styrofoam, red solo cups, chip bags, wrappers, paper plates, plastic utensils and straws. For a full list of accepted recyclable items, click here.