Sustainability @ the
University of Rochester

Recycling

Plastic, Metal, and Glass

ALL CONTAINERS MUST BE EMPTIED, RINSED, WITH CAPS REMOVED. Labels are acceptable.

You can recycle most clean containers, including:

Plastics

Acceptable clean plastic items include:

• EMPTY Bottles, jugs and jars (lids/caps removed)
• EMPTY Tubs, pails, buckets, lids, caps
• EMPTY Microwave food trays
• EMPTY Durable/reusable containers and lids (i.e.-Tupperware)
• EMPTY Plant pots/containers
• Broken laundry baskets/recycling bins
• Non-Styrofoam takeout “clamshells”
• Non-Styrofoam egg cartons
• Forks, knives and spoons
• “Blister” packaging from products
• CD jewel cases

Unacceptable Plastic

• Capped bottles, jugs and jars
• Styrofoam i.e. takeout “clamshells,” egg cartons, cups
• Containers that held hazardous material (i.e. – pesticide, pool chemicals, antifreeze, motor oil, etc.)
• Prescription bottles
• Bioplastics
• Non-rinsed (dirty) items
• Plastic Bags/Product Wrap (return to store)
  

Metals

Acceptable clean metal items include:

• EMPTY Steel/Tin Cans (including non-hazardous aerosol)
• EMPTY Aluminum Cans/Bottles
• Durable Kitchen Cookware (Pots, Pans & Lids)
• Non-Durable Aluminum Foil and Foilware (pie pans, roast pans, etc.)
• License Plates (should be cut in half or permanently defaced)
• Metal lids/caps (from glass bottles/jars)

Unacceptable Metal Items

• Utensils (knives, forks, ladles, etc.)
• Paint Cans, PropaneTanks, Hazardous Aerosol – See HHW
• Batteries
• Large Scrap Metal

Glass

Acceptable clean Glass:

• EMPTY green, brown, and clear bottles, jugs, and jars (lids/caps removed)

Unacceptable Glass

• Blue or other-colored items