How to Recycle at UWM
Recycling at UWM goes well beyond just paper and aluminum cans. Recycling is complex, so depending on the materials, there are different procedures to follow. Click on the programs below to learn more.
Recycling Programs
This is the most widely available recycling option on campus. Blue recycling bins can be found in most common areas and hallways. Cardboard, paper, bottles, and cans go into the blue recycling bins. Other materials cannot go into these bins – please help our one Campus Recycler out by recycling properly.
If you want to “level up” your recycling, you can learn more tips on our Campus Recycling page.
Departments can request special bulk recycling bins to help get rid of large quantities of non-confidential papers, journals, magazines, and reference books. Bulk recycling is a great option for cleaning out offices, emptying storage, supporting retirements, and preparing for moves. If you would otherwise fill an entire hallway recycling bin with papers, consider requesting a bulk bin instead!
Learn more about this program on the Bulk Recycling page. Email Ben, Campus Recycler, and konitze2@uwm.edu to request bins.
Visit the Confidential Shredding page to learn more.
Metal materials including sheet steel (e.g. old metal file cabinets), copper, aluminum, brass, and more are recycled through the UWM Surplus program. Visit the Surplus page to learn more or submit a Surplus Declaration form.
Electronics are recycled via the UWM Surplus program utilizing state-approved electronics recycling vendors. Electronics should never go into the trash or into blue-bin recycling. If your department has electronics – TV, monitors, computers, old phones, AV equipment, or anything else that uses batteries or wall plug-ins to operate needs to be submitted to Surplus via a Surplus Declaration Form for proper recycling.
UWM cannot accept personal electronics. Please review options available for Community & Specialty Recycling to properly dispose of personal electronic devices.
Visit the Environmental Protection program website, part of UWM Safety & Assurances for more information about batteries, ink/toner, light bulbs, oil, sharps, and other materials.
Special note: most campus printer/copier machines are leased via the Print & Copy program and the toner cartridges must be recycled through the vendor. Reach out to Print and Copy services to learn more.
Collection bins are located outside of the Office of Sustainability (AUP 116), inside the Off-Campus Resource Center (Union EG42), at the School of Freshwater Sciences, and at UWM Surplus. Additional collection bins are located at all University Housing Residence Halls for resident use.
Watch the video below to learn more. We will be adding additional bins locations soon. Follow along for more updates!
Important: plastic bags and film cannot be placed in traditional blue recycling bins on campus. Please make sure to bring your plastic bags/plastic film to a specialty bin location. You can also reach out to ask-sustainability@uwm.edu if you have questions, or if your department wants to host a plastic film recycling drop-off bin.