AVOIDING CONTAMINATION

Let's Talk Trash.

The University of Delaware participates in the Delaware Solid Waste Authority's single stream recycling program. Follow the guidelines below to avoid contaminating the University's recycling stream:

Although there is no need to place recyclables into bags prior to putting them in bins, translucent and untied plastic bags must be used.
Black plastic bags cannot be used to dispose of recyclables.
Do not place non-recyclable items, trash, food scraps or other banned items in the recycling containers. This causes the disposal of other recyclable items.
Boxes that are not "broken down" or flattened take up space and increase the cost of recycling as more trips are needed to remove recyclables. Do your part and BREAK DOWN cardboard boxes!

Single Stream Recycling Frequently Asked Questions

What can be recycled through UD's Single-Stream Recycling Program?
I generate a lot of different types of waste streams in my laboratory. What materials are not acceptable for recycling?
Does my Department have special procedures in addition to the procedures outlined on the Single-Stream Recycling Program web page?
Who do I contact if I still have questions about the proper recycling and disposal of laboratory waste?

1. What can be recycled through UD's Single-Stream Recycling Program?

Visit the University's Recycling Website to learn more about what can and what should not be recycled. The site is designed to offer the UD community updates Single Stream Recycling and other related initiatives like Gameday Recycling.

It is important to note that any materials that are contaminated with chemical, biological or radiological materials cannot be recycled through the single-stream recycling program. The contaminated material must be properly managed through the appropriate program through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

2. I generate a lot of different types of waste streams in my laboratory. What materials are not acceptable for recycling?

The following materials are not acceptable to be recycled at this time. These materials should be disposed of as regular solid waste, glass only waste and, in some cases, may have to be managed as chemical, biological or radiological waste through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Materials that cannot be recycled at this time include:

Laboratory Glassware — Pyrex and other laboratory glassware cannot be recycled at this time due to the additives to make the glassware heat resistant and able to withstand large temperature fluxes. Common laboratory glassware includes items such as, but not limited to: test tubes, pipettes, Erlenmeyer flasks, condensing tubes, distillation columns and glassware that can withstand extreme temperature changes. You can check with your supplier to determine if your laboratory glassware is heat treated. Dispose of clean laboratory glassware in Glass Only Containers as normal solid waste. Laboratory glassware contaminated with chemical, biological or radiological materials must be managed through the appropriate waste program through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
Plastic Coated Glass Bottles — Certain reagent chemicals, such as, strong mineral acids, are often purchased in plastic-coated glass containers. These plastic-coated glass containers cannot be recycled. It is important to note that the safety features associated with these plastic-coated bottles far outweigh the inability to recycle them at this time. The purchasing of concentrated mineral acids in plastic coated glass bottles is highly encouraged. Please triple rinse the empty container, deface the label and dispose of as glass only waste. A laboratory may recycle plastic coated glass bottles if the plastic coating is carefully removed by the laboratory personnel.
Compressed Gas Cylinders and Aerosol Cans — Non-returnable steel / aluminum gas cylinders and aerosol cans, even if believed to be empty, must be recycled through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). EHS verifies that gas cylinders and aerosol cans are empty and properly prepares them to be recycled.
Chemical Containers and Labware with Visible Residue or Contamination — Only clean, triple rinsed chemical containers are to be recycled. Containers with chemical residue or strong chemical odors must be managed as chemical waste through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
Paper Towels, Laboratory Absorbent Paper, ChemWipes — Used or soiled paper towels, laboratory absorbent paper and ChemWipes cannot be recycled as this time. Materials contaminated with chemical, biological or radiological materials must be managed through the appropriate waste program through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. All other used materials can be disposed of as normal solid waste.
Laboratory Gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment — Laboratory personal protective equipment, such as but not limited to, gloves, disposable laboratory coats, disposable hair and shoe covers, disposable aprons cannot be recycled at this time. Personal protective equipment contaminated with chemical, biological or radiological materials must be managed through the appropriate waste program through the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. All other used materials can be disposed of as normal solid waste.
Hazardous Material Shipping Packages — Packages of chemicals received from your supplier are typically shipped in cardboard boxes that may include all or some of the following materials: spill absorbent, inner metal can, hermitically sealed plastic bag, styrofoam, packing peanuts and cardboard inserts. The metal can and cardboard can be recycled as long as there is no chemical contamination. Please be sure to cross-out and deface all hazardous materials labels and markings before placing the cardboard and metal can into the recycling receptacle. If your facility has styrofoam recycling receptacles, the peanuts and styrofoam inserts can also be recycled. Please note, that Styrofoam recycling is not currently handled through the UD Single Stream Recycling Program. EHS recommends that users take stryofoam to Flopack, in the Harmony Road Business Park located at 111 Alan Drive, Newark, DE 19711-8028, (302) 731-8691 for recycling.
The spill absorbent material and plastic bag cannot be recycled at this time and should be disposed of as normal solid waste.
Animal Shipping Containers — Most animals are shipped and received in cardboard boxes reinforced with wire mesh. Cardboard boxes reinforced with wire mesh is not recyclable at this time and should be disposed of as normal solid waste.

3. Does my Department have special procedures in addition to the procedures outlined on the Single-Stream Recycling Program web page?

In some cases, your Department may have special procedures in addition to what is listed on UD's Recycling Web Page. It is recommended that you talk to your Facility manager to find out and obtain more information on the procedures that have been established for your Department. If you do not know who your Facility manager is please contact Kevin Eichinger, University Chemical Hygiene Officer, at 831-2103, or by e-mail: eich@udel.edu and he will be able to assist you.

4. Who do I contact if I still have questions about the proper recycling and disposal of laboratory waste?

If you have any questions regarding what or what cannot be recycled, please contact Kevin Eichinger, University Chemical Hygiene Officer, at 831-2103, or by e-mail at: eich@udel.edu

If you have any other questions regarding recycling, feel free to email recycle@udel.edu