Imagine a world that did not recycle. Our landfills would be many times larger than they already are today, toxic chemicals would contaminate our groundwater and we wouldn't have polar fleece to keep us warm in the winter! Recycling allows us to reduce the amount of raw materials and energy required to create new products including carpeting, newspaper, drink containers and many building materials. The University recycles a wide variety of products for your convenience.
NEW! [Athletic Shoe Recycling]
Athletic Shoe Recycling has begun at The University of Chicago! Look for receptacles and signs near the turnstiles in Ratner and Henry Crown. Bring any brand of athletic shoe you're ready to dispose of; they will be taken to Niketown in Chicago and submitted to the "Reuse-a-Shoe" Program. The entire shoe- outsole, midsole, and upper- is reused (visit www.nike.com/nikebiz for details).
The University of Chicago Religion and Environment Initiative (REI) is co-sponsoring the collection drive with the Green Campus Initiative (GCI). Contact us at shoerecycling@hotmail.com with any questions, comments, and suggestions.
And finally, please help spread the word!
[Plastic, Glass, Aluminum, Paper]
Why recycle plastic, glass, aluminum and paper?
Recycling these products reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. By recycling these items, you reduce the amount of energy required to create new products. Rather than starting from scratch, recycling allows many industries to reduce their energy inputs to create the products you consume.
Where can I recycle Plastic, Glass, Aluminum and Paper?
Each house in the dormitory system has a waste room with clearly labeled bins. On campus, you will find clusters of large black containers outdoors labeled for paper, plastic/glass or aluminum. You will also find labeled blue or gray bins inside most buildings on campus. All recycling containers throughout the University are labeled.
[Batteries]
Why Recycle Batteries?
We recycle batteries for the same reason that we would recycle any product Ð to conserve resources and avoid waste. But we are motivated to recycle batteries for another reason. Batteries contain hazardous metals that could leach into groundwater, soil and air if the batteries are not disposed of properly. Lead, mercury and cadmium may be found in batteries and present significant dangers to the environment and human health.
What types of batteries does the University recycle?
The university accepts alkaline and small rechargeable batteries. This means standard and rechargeable AAA, AA, D, etc. and cell phone, laptop and other rechargeable batteries.
Where can I drop off batteries?
You can find a clear battery collection tube in each of the following locations:
Regenstein Library 1100 E 57th St. in the outer lobby
The Divinity School (Swift Hall) 1025 E 58th St. in the cafe
The Reynolds Club 5706 S. University Ave. basement
The School of Social Service Administration (SSA) 969 E 60th St. at the front desk
Kersten Physics Teaching Center (KPTC) 5720 S. Ellis Ave. on the 2nd floor in front of room 211
Cummings Life Sciences Center 920 E. 58th St. in the 1st floor mail room
[Printer Cartridges]
Why recycle printer cartridges?
In addition to reducing waste and conserving resources, we recycle printer cartridges to prevent toxic chemicals and dyes from contaminating the environment.
What types of printer cartridges does the University recycle?
The University accepts all ink jet cartridges for PC and Apple compatible printers except for Epsom, which is made of non-recyclable products. Large ink and copy cartridges can be dropped off at the campus computer store in the Barnes and Noble building on Ellis Ave. These large cartridges can also be returned to the vendor from whom you purchased the cartridge.
Where can I drop off printer cartridges?
You can find a printer cartridge recycling box in all of the dormitories. There is also a drop off bin and postage paid plastic envelopes in the basement of the Reynolds Club in front of the UCEC.
[Recycling Off-Campus]
The Blue Bag Program
Most off-campus apartment buildings have their garbage picked up by Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation. This will automatically allow you to participate in the Blue Bag Recycling program. Rather than putting your recyclables in the trash, put glass, metal, plastics, and papers into a blue bag. Blue bags are sold at grocery, drug and hardware stores.
Plastics, metals and glass can all be put in the same blue bag; they will be sorted at the recycling center. Unsoiled paper and cardboard products should be put into a separate bag.
Below is a list of accepted materials provided by Chicago's Blue Bag information website:
Clean Paper
newspaper
magazines
junk mail
cardboard
clean food boxes
gift boxes
phone books
catalogs
brown paper bags
gift wrap
Metals, Glass and Plastics
empty aluminum and steel cans
empty aerosol cans
rinsed aluminum foil and pie plates
milk, juice, soft drink, water and laundry detergent bottles bearing the number"1" or "2" in a triangle on the container bottom
clear, green and brown glass
To have your blue bags picked up, simply place them inside the city-supplied dumpsters.
[ Web Resources ]