What Can I Recycle?

• Aerosol cans (without a propellant)
• Aluminum cans and foil
• Glass, steel, and tin
• Plastic with a #1 or #2 recycling symbol
• Writing paper, tablet paper and tablet cardboard
• White and colored copy paper
• Computer paper
• Colored and triplicate forms
• Sticky notes
• Paper wrappers
• Magazines and newspapers
• All envelopes
• Junk mail
• Telephone books
• Paperback books
• Manila folders
• Cereal boxes and other boxboard
• Corrugated cardboard
  

What Cannot be Recycled in These Bins?

• Carbon paper
• Wax or plastic coated paper
• Tissues or paper towels
• Papers or containers contaminated by food or other waste
• Film containers
• Plastic containers with a #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 recycling symbol
• Styrofoam
• Trash

Why Can't I Recycle Plastics #3 thru #7?
Many plastics feature recycling symbols #3 thru #7, including the take-out containers in the Dining halls. Others include:

• Plastic food wrap
• Yogurt containers
• Vegetable oil containers
• Syrup bottles
• Bottle tops
• Layered or mixed plastics
  

While some of these are still technically recyclable, the plastics industry is still in the early stages of recycling. Therefore many cities, including San Diego, cannot currently recycle plastics with these symbols unless chosen to do so through a test program.

Don't Add These Plastics to the Landfill!

• Look for take out items with little or no packaging
• Try to eat in the Dining Halls if you can, and make sure to request china and silverware. Use plastic cups for your beverages
• If you do take your food to go, consider bringing your own utensils and beverage container. Students have even been known to use a Frisbee as a dinner plate!
• Reuse your plastic take out container! Bring it back the next time you visit a dining facility, or find a handy new way to use it
  

What Else Can I Recycle, and How?

Computers and Electronic devices (e-waste). Contact UCSD's Environmental Management Facility at 858.534.2753.

Batteries. There are two ways to recycle:

• Discard in the battery disposal bins located around campus. Locations: UCSD Bookstore, Earl's Place in Warren College, MOM at Muir College, and others (ask around!)
• Make a package of your used batteries and drop them in any campus mailbox. Cover the battery terminals with plastic nonconductive tape to prevent the possibility of spark. Place the batteries in a sturdy bag/container. Limit the package weight to 2 lbs or less, and address it to "Used Batteries." No mail code is needed.

Printer Cartridges and Cell Phones. Look for postage paid envelopes in bookstores, libraries, and other locations around campus.

Beware the new California Waste Laws!
California has long banned e-waste from being thrown away, but in February '06, the law changed to include many more items- and anything with a digital chip. Did you know you can't toss:

• Batteries
• Fluorescent lights
• Products that obviously contain electronics, such as computers, TVs, stereos, MP3 players / ipods, digital cameras, and remote controls
• Digital watches and clocks
• Shoes with flashing lights
• Electrical switches
• Thermometers
• Many printer ink catridges

Where Can I Find More Information?
To find out how to recycle materials not discussed here, or for more info on local recycling programs, please contact the following:

City of San Diego Recycling Department / Environmental Services
858.694.7000
http://www.sandiego.gov

Recycle911 (California State recycling info & programs)
1.877.EARTH911
http://californiaearth911.org

Bottles and Cans
http://www.bottlesandcans.com

Plastics
http://www.ehow.com

Helpful UCSD websites
http://conserve.ucsd.edu
http://sustain.ucsd.edu

Know any fun or unusual ways to recycle? Share your thoughts with Major Planet & Toby!

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