Recycling and Waste

Graphics of a reusable plate, bowl, and basket
Reusables are back and better than ever! Instead of receiving your food in a single-use takeaway container at the dining halls, you will get a reusable plate, bowl, or basket. Don’t worry, you can still take your food outside! Just return the reusable item to a dining hall anywhere on campus at your convenience.

Take the Quiz!​​​​​

Campus Race to Zero Waste

Each year, University of Oregon competes with Oregon State University as well as campuses around the country in the Campus Race to Zero Waste. In 2022 we participated in the "one building challenge" specifically, targeted efforts at improving recycling through education in residence hall Kalapuya Ilihi. By the end of the month-long challenge we saw improvement in both cardboard and commingled recyling the hall!

 

Ways to Get Involved with Recycling and Waste Reduction at the UO

  • Questions about where to put materials? Call or text a question, with or without an attached picture, to the help line: 541-999-4173
  • Check out the Zero Waste Program for recycling guidelines, student jobs, tours, historical information, and more.
  • Connect with the Student Sustainability Center in the EMU for free used water bottles (and other items such as office supplies, clothes, and more), access to the Reusables Office Supplies Exchange (ROSE), as well as to connect with various student groups.
  • Explore the Surplus Furniture program for gently-used items free for campus usage and priced-to-move for off-campus usage.
  • Explore the quiz answers in more detail .
  • There are some uncommon materials not covered in the video that can be recycled. Contact Zero Waste for what to do with the following items:
    • Surplus furniture
    • Styrofoam block (not sponge)
    • Packing peanuts
    • E-waste ( anything that uses electricity)
    • Certain reusable chemicals
    • Yard Debris
    • Batteries
    • Aerosols
    • Sterno cans
    • Scrap wood
    • Scrap metal
    • Donatable personal items