We all need to do our part to stop waste where we can. It is important to reuse or divert it into the proper container.
SCU has a goal of being a zero-waste campus (90% diversion) by 2020. Today, we have a diversion rate of 71%, which means 71% of our waste is correctly recycled or composted (or reused/donated) instead of going to the landfill!
How to Sort Waste
Get started below for simple instructions on how to sort your waste properly or keep scrolling for quick information on specific items.
Recycle
Recycling prevents waste by transforming materials into new products. Buying products made with recycled content helps to support this system.
All paper types can be put in any "recycle" container or blue bag by copiers. Paper cups or other paper products that have touched food or liquid must go into compost bins.
All plastics can be put into any "recycle" container. Please bundle thin-film plastic (grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, zip-top bags) into a larger clear bag and tie the top.
Please flatten and place behind any "recycle" container or in exterior "recycle" dumpsters. If you have a large amount of cardboard that won't fit into your bins please contact Facilities (Facilities-CSC@scu.edu) to request a pick-up.
From offices: toner and ink-jet cartridges should be sent to Facilities via intercampus mail envelopes.
From campus residents: put in blue recycling tower in your residence hall lobby.
All glass can be put into any "recycle" container.
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, can include lamps, fans, microwaves, computers, monitors, USBs, calculators, flashlights, and cell phones.
From offices: please contact Facilities (Facilities-CSC@scu.edu) to request a pick-up.
From campus residents: put on the ground in your residence hall's external waste area.
From offices: light bulbs should be sent to Facilities via intercampus mail envelopes.
From campus residents: put in blue recycle tower in residence hall lobby.
From offices: batteries should be sent to Facilities via intercampus mail envelopes.
From campus residents: put in blue recycle tower in residence hall lobby.
All metal can be put into any "recycle" container.
Packing material such as air-filled plastic pillows or packing "peanuts," can be reused! Send or take these to Mailing Services in lower level Benson.
The air-filled plastic pillows, if no longer being used, should be popped, bundled together, and placed in recycling. The peanuts are made of styrofoam and must be placed in the landfill container.
Compost
Composting prevents waste by transforming materials into soil amendment that can be used for agriculture and landscaping. SCU sends our compostable materials to a commercial composting facility in the South Bay.
All paper towels and napkins can be composted.
All food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, dairy, and coffee grounds should be composted.
All food containers from Dining Services by Bon Appetit, including all disposable plates and cups from catered events, napkins, Coca-Cola cups, lids, and straws.
Landfill
Landfilled materials stay there forever and do not decompose. SCU is working toward eliminating all landfill waste by composting and recycling as much as we can.
Most candy and food wrappers (except those that are paper or from SCU Dining Services) must be landfilled.
Condiment packets should be landfilled.
Styrofoam should be landfilled.
