Minimize Disposables

Recycling and reusing materials are great ways to reduce the amount that goes to the landfill; but another great way to reduce materials arriving and leaving campus is to USE LESS STUFF.

Use reusable containers such as mugs around the office instead of foam, paper, or plastic cups. Use a reusable bottle for water and insulated mug for hot liquids. In this way, you can use one container instead of a new one every day.

Minimize paper use

• Print only what is necessary, and when you do print—print duplex (two-sided)!
• Digitize files and forms to save paper, space, and time
• Reduce document page margins use margins no greater than 0.5” or 0.75”
• Use old single-sided documents as scrap paper or print on the other side

Reduce printed materials by creating electronic files, sending out materials for meetings electronically, and by editing on the computer using track changes.

If you have to use paper, use recycled paper

Seek out office products made from post-consumer waste and close the loop! That way there is a market for all the stuff we recycle. Some examples include: 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper, reused or recycled content file folders, recycled content legal pads, and remanufactured printer/toner cartridges.

New Leaf Paper (100% recycled content), $2.946/RM. (Stores Item Detail: 14054120)

Aspen (100% recycled content), $3.652/RM. (Stores Item Detail: 14054080)

Aspen 30 (30% recycled content), $3.325/RM. (Stores Item Detail: 14053860)

Eliminate Unwanted Mail

Almost all mail is recyclable as mixed paper, but you can eliminate unwanted mail by calling or emailing the organization that is sending the mail to take you off their list. Preventing unwanted mail from coming on campus prevents paper resources from being used and saves fuel from mail delivery.

Download the flyer

Recycle furniture, electronics, and most usable stuff

The MSU Surplus Store serves as a place to displace used MSU property. The first priority is to transfer goods from one department to another; however, the Surplus Store does have public sales.

Go to www.msusurplusstore.com for more information.

Electronic Device Recycling

Used MSU electronic devices (quite simply, anything with a cord) can be resold or recycled through the MSU Surplus Store. Keep dangerous elements like lead out of landfills by recycling electronic waste!

Go to www.msusurplusstore.com for more information.

Create a Shared Office Supplies Space

If it doesn’t already exist in your department, create a space (a shelf or cabinet) where people can share things such as pens, folders, and other office supplies.

What MSU recycles

• White Paper: simply, any white fiber paper
• Mixed Paper: includes magazines and all glossy papers, any non-white copy paper or cardstock, envelopes with or without windows of any color, and file folders of any type (no metal or plastic parts, please). Post-its can be recycled as mixed paper.
• Newspaper: and anything that comes with the newspaper (i.e. ads and flyers)
• Corrugated Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard has a fluted layer sandwiched between two layers. Break down your cardboard boxes and place them next to your recycling stations
• Plastics #1 & #2: bottles must have a smaller neck than bottom, check for the plastic number on the bottom of the container

More Recycling Information

For more information about what other materials can be recycled, recycling in the residence halls and apartments, and information about the recycling efforts in food service kitchens, visit the MSU Recycling materials webpage, www.recycle.msu.edu.

Recycling Hotline: They’re there to help!

To report recycling issues, to get another hamper for cleaning out materials (free of charge), or an at-desk recycling container (free of charge), please call the Recycling Hotline at 355-1723. Confidential shred is also available for a fee.

Under-desk Recycling Containers

At-desk recycling containers make recycling easier and more convenient. Order some free containers for your desk and your colleagues’ desks by calling the Recycling Hotline at 5-1723.

Hardcover and Softcover Book Recycling

Separate and transport small numbers of boxed or bagged catalogs, directories, soft cover and hardcover books to your building’s recycling dock or staging area. If you have a large amount, call the Recycling Hotline for a hamper at 5-1723. Soft cover and hardcover books will be sent to MSU Surplus Store for reuse.

Inkjet and Toner Cartridge Recycling

Ink jet cartridges and toner cartridges are recyclable! Place them in their box (if possible) near the centralized recycling containers. They are sent to be refurbished, and eventually are sold to be reused. Consider buying refurbished cartridges instead of new ones – it closes the loop.

Moving? Perform a Green Sweep

If you or your department is moving, it’s a great time to perform a green sweep. Call the Recycling Hotline at 5-1723 for hampers, or large recycling containers. MSU Surplus takes most items that can be reused, go to www.msusurplusstore.com for more information.