Our Projects
Recycling Task Force
The Recycling Task Force coordinates recycling for aluminum, plastic, and ink cartridges at UT. The programs are entirely student-run and are part of the Campus Environmental Center.
Last year alone we have saved 6,000lbs of plastic and aluminum from the landfill, recycled over 318 ink cartridges and have had 5 trees planted to offset recycling transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I recycle on campus?
Paper and Cardboard
UT recycles cardboard and any type of paper, including newspaper, colored paper, and items with staples, paper clips, and envelope windows. Look for the blue bins indoors or the large orange boxes outdoors. Please do not put waxed paper (i.e. cups) or anything with food or drink in the bins. Click here for further details on the paper and cardboard program.
Aluminum and Plastic
The Recycling Task Force program accepts aluminum and #1 and #2 plastic only. We accept plastic bottles only, including coke bottles, milk jugs, and detergent bottles. You cannot recycle plastic cups, yogurt cups, or plastic tubs. Please do not put paper, glass, or trash in our bins. Also, please help us by emptying out your beverage before recycling it; full beverages make a mess for our volunteers. Bottle caps can't be recycled, so you can throw those away. We have further information on our outdoor and indoor programs.
Ink Cartridges, Cell Phones, Batteries, and Light bulbs
You can recycle any type of ink cartridge, toner cartridge, or laser cartridge. We also recycle cell phones, all kinds of batteries, and CFLs. Anyone can request a pickup by going to the ink link on the left for more information.
I have a lot of stuff I'd like to recycle. Where can I do that?
If you have plastic or aluminum, you can put them in one of our recycling bins. We ask that you be sure to replace the lid back on the bin when you are done. You can also take your recyclables to Ecology Action at 9th and I-35, which accepts all of the following:
- Paper
- Aluminum Cans and Foil
- Tin Cans
- Plastic Bottles (#1 and #2)
- Glass Bottles and Jars
- Cardboard and Boxboard (cereal boxes)
How can I start aluminum and plastic recycling in my office?
It's easy! Please see our how-to sheet.
Why don't you take glass?
In an effort to provide as much recycling as possible, we chose to narrow the amounts of materials we accept to just plastic and aluminum. This simplifies our efforts, as many recycling processors do not accept glass due to its low resale value. We do, however, welcome students or staff who want to help establish glass recycling at UT. Please come to one of our meetings to discuss any glass recycling further.