The Recycling Work Unit has a goal to conserve our natural resources by reducing consumption of materials, reusing materials whenever possible, recycling materials using current technology and practicing wise procurement policies, including the purchase of recycled materials. Since sustainability is a very important part of our campus mission, our recycling program is more comprehensive than most universities. We have our own Waste Education Center where materials are separated into individual recycling streams.
what type of material should be recycled?
- Non-Soiled Paper
- Shredded Paper (Bagged)
- #1, 2 and 5 Plastics
- Cardboard
- Steel & Tin
- Aluminum
- Dairy and Juice Cartons (without plastic lining)
- Books
- Glass
- Batteries
- Bulbs
- Electronics
what type of material is trash?
- Coated or Waxed Cardboard
- Packets & Wrappers
- Plastic Baggies
- Styrofoam
- Lids & Straws
- Creamer Cups
- Plastic Cutlery
- Mirror and Window Glass
can we recycle pizza boxes?
Yes you may, as long as the food and waxed paper has been removed from the pizza boxes, they can then be recycled.
is it food scraps or compost … you decide
Items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, bread, and eggshells can be composted. If it can be eaten or grown in a field or garden, it can be composted. Post-consumer food waste is more challenging because of separation issues. Often, after the consumer is done with the food, the waste is subject to contaminants, and a decision has to be made on how to separate food from other waste. This is done by having an extra trash can that is only used for food waste.
The UWSP Grounds Work Unit uses compost “pulp” collected at many of the dining facilities for use as bedding on the many berms on campus. This is food waste that might normally go down the drain as part of the dish washing process but is instead collected and recycled. This compost pulp has a variety of uses and is known to improve soil quality and productivity as well as prevent and control erosion.
who handles waste and special materials collection?
The Facility Services Recycling Work Unit handles all of the waste pickup for the campus, making daily, weekday runs to each building for trash and recycling. We are also on campus during weekends when large events are taking place.
If your paper material is already shredded, it can be placed along side your other recyclables. Bulk material pickups are scheduled through a work order (Example: A Professor is retiring and needs containers to recycle paper).
Please schedule your pickup of these materials by clicking the submit a work order button below. Facility Services does not offer a confidential pickup or disposal service.
WORK ORDER REQUESTwhat is the waste education center?
A Materials Recovery Facility (pronounced MeRF) is a specialized plant that receives, separates and prepares recyclable materials for sale to end-user manufacturers. It is important that the materials which come out of the MRF are clean, properly sorted and relatively free of impurities.
What is important to understand, is what makes UWSP’s process unique. While most individuals and businesses in the Stevens Point area send their recycled material to Portage County services, UWSP has taken a beneficial ‘hands-on’ approach to the process. UWSP separates it’s own waste prior to introducing it into recycling streams. All recycled material (except for glass and plastic) is separated at the Waste Education Center by staff and students, then sent directly to recycling vendors. This is a uniquely educational experience for our students who learn the complexities and importance of recycling first hand.