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!
Step 2: Properly Dispose of Recycling Material
In order to maintain the university single stream recycling system, users must:
- Flatten all cardboard boxes prior to disposal; and clean out obvious food residue from plastics (i.e. yogurt containers)
- Remove bottle caps (it is not necessary to rinse out drink bottles)
- Avoid disposing electronics, paint, or other hazardous wastes, in single stream dumpsters or containers. More information on recycling electronics and other material can be found here:http://www.udel.edu/ehs/waste/electronic-recycling.html
- University students living in University housing are responsible for taking recycling material to recycling stations located outside of their residence halls.
Step 3: Learn How To Avoid Contamination
The University of Delaware participates in the Delaware State Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) Single Stream Recycling program. In order for the University to continue to participate in DSWA's recycling program it must keep contamination (placement on trash and other non-recyclable items in single stream containers).
As a campus community, we need to make sure recyclables are deposited loose in the bin, and that trash doesn't make its way into the bins and dumpsters. Any bagged recyclables or food will contaminate the single stream, and jeopardize the viability of Single Stream Recycling Program.
- 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.
- The University of Delaware participates in DSWA's Single Stream Recycling Program. Find out more on recycling and what items are compatible with the Single Stream Process on their website: http://dswa.com
