Can You Recycle?
Paper, Cardboard
Yes
Recycling helps take care of this place where we all live.
Earth
You put bottles, cans, and paper in this special container.
Recycling Bin
This item replaces the use of plastic bottles & drink cups.
Water Bottle/Reusable Cups
What items can be composted at OSU?
Food scraps, meat, soiled napkins or paper towels, paper (non-plastic coated) serving ware or pizza boxes. Learn More: https://fod.osu.edu/compost
Glass Bottles & Jars
Yes
Recycling helps keep this green area where animals and plants live clean.
Nature
Before recycling, you should do this to your bottles and cans to make them smaller.
Crush Them
You can bring a reusable bag to the store instead of using these.
Plastic Bags
These containers can be used at dining halls for carry-out and are returned, cleaned, and reused.
Buckeye ReusePass: https://dining.osu.edu/sustainability/reusable-container-program
Electronics
Not normal recycling; needs special electronics waste bin.
Electronics: OSU SURPLUS at 614-688-3545 / Batteries: Environmental Health and Safety at 614-292-1284
By recycling, we save this, which is what we breathe.
Air
You should do this to dirty containers, like yogurt cups, before putting them in the recycling bin.
Rinse them
Instead of tossing out old clothes, you can do this to give them to someone who needs them.
Donate them
Where to recycle or compost outside of campus?
Drop-Off Locations from Recycle Right: https://recycleright.org/
Greasy Boxes or Used Plates
No, if they are soiled or oily. Only non-greasy products can be recycled.
Recycling saves energy, which helps fight this that makes the planet hotter.
Global Warming
When you recycle something, it can be turned into something new instead of this.
Trash
Turning off lights, electronics, and water when not using them is an example of this "R"
Reduce
Where to find what can be recycled at OSU?
Facilities Operations and Development's Recycling Page: https://fod.osu.edu/recycling
Styrofoam
No
Recycling helps protect this, which is where fish and dolphins live.
Ocean
If your town doesn’t have curbside recycling, you can take your items to this kind of center.
Recycling Center
Which of the Three R's is most effective?
Reduce! We can reduce waste, consumption, and single-use plastics to help make a big impact!
What % of OSU's trash could have been recycled or composted in the 2025 Waste Characterization Study?
More than 50% of all items! https://fod.osu.edu/news/2026/02/03/supporting-sustainable-operations-through-campus-waste-data