Waste Reduction & Recycling
Help keep campus sustainable by reducing waste, recycling correctly, preventing contamination, and supporting reuse, composting, and responsible materials management.
Recycling Basics
With an expanding campus and community, it is important to recycle correctly. Contamination in recycling bins can result in large quantities of recyclable material being sent to the landfill instead. Recycle right, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Recycle Right
Use campus recycling bins for accepted recyclable materials and help reduce landfill waste across campus.
Avoid Contamination
Food residue, mixed materials, and non-recyclable items can contaminate a bin and prevent materials from being properly processed.
Learn More
Green @ CSU provides broader campus recycling guidance, including CSU’s single-stream recycling categories.
Campus Recycling Awareness
CSU has participated in RecycleMania since 2005 as a nationwide voluntary recycling competition that promotes student, faculty, and staff awareness of waste minimization and recycling efforts.
Additional Diversion Options
CSU offers several ways to help divert usable or recyclable materials from the landfill, including Surplus Property, the move-out donation program, and battery collection.
Surplus Property
CSU Surplus Property supports reuse, resale, and recycling of university-owned items. Special e-waste collection is also available for unwanted or broken electronics for a service fee.
Move-Out Donation Program
The move-out donation program helps keep gently used items out of the landfill during student move-out while supporting community partners and local nonprofits.
Battery Collection
Special battery collection buckets are located around campus. Accepted batteries include alkaline, NiCad, gel pack, and rechargeable types.
Call for collection support: 970-491-0113
Zero Waste Events
Planning a zero waste event starts with the basics: provide compost, recycling, and trash bins in visible locations, choose reusable serviceware when possible, and help attendees sort materials correctly.
- Provide compost, recycling, and trash bins in visible, convenient locations.
- Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils when possible.
- Help people sort items correctly and keep recyclables clean.
For expanded planning resources, Green @ CSU also offers a sustainability event guide.
Explore related sustainability topics
Buildings & Energy →
Efficient buildings, system upgrades, and energy-conscious operations.
Water Stewardship →
Conservation strategies and responsible water management.
Get Involved →
Ways to support sustainability efforts across campus.
Return to Sustainability →
Explore all sustainability focus areas, reports, and campus initiatives.
Questions About Trash, Recycling, or Composting?
For questions about trash, recycling, or composting at CSU, contact Jennifer Williams at 970-491-0122 or email the Trash & Recycling team.