Specialized Recycling

For most day-to-day needs, on-campus recycling is managed through our single-stream Zero-Sort program using the standard blue containers located throughout campus. 

The university also generates specialty waste that cannot be placed in standard trash or recycling bins. Similar to a household—where items like batteries, electronics, or fluorescent bulbs require special handling—our campus produces these materials at a much larger scale across offices, labs, classrooms, and residence halls. These items must be collected and processed separately to ensure environmental compliance and proper recycling. 

UMass Lowell utilizes the self-service service request system WebTMA to submit and manage specialized recycling requests. Before submitting, please review the accepted items guide using the tabs below to ensure your request is complete and routed efficiently. For assistance with the submission process, contact the Facilities Service Center. 

Please note: pickups are not available for personal recyclables. Refer to our semi-annual Spring and Fall into Recycling Drive for more information. 

General Guidelines: 

  • Include clear photos and thorough descriptions of all items, including approximate item weight and size 
  • Specify removal timeline, if applicable 
  • Specify any access restrictions 
  • Clearly label any items to be removed 

Please note that equipment originating from laboratory spaces must be fully assessed and decontaminated by Environmental Health and Safety before pickup can be scheduled. In addition, any items with asset or barcode tags must be decommissioned by the Property Office prior to pickup.

What type of item are you recycling?

We accept a wide range of equipment and select metal items through both routine pickups and larger-scale cleanouts. All items are subject to review and approval prior to collection. 

Please note that equipment originating from laboratory spaces must be fully assessed and decontaminated by Environmental Health and Safety before pickup can be scheduled. In addition, any items with asset or barcode tags must be decommissioned by the Property Office prior to pick up.

Accepted items include: 

  • Laboratory equipment  
  • Specialized machinery  
  • Engineering and shop tools (e.g., mills, lathes, drill presses)  
  • Scrap metal  
  • Metal fixtures  

Bulk laboratory equipment removal: 

  • Require advance notice, as scheduling is coordinated with external vendors 
  • All materials must be clearly labeled, with detailed descriptions and photos included in the service request 
  • Additional coordination may be required based on the type and volume of materials 

We accept a wide range of electronic waste. Requests involving data-bearing devices (e.g., computers, hard drives) must be coordinated directly with IT.  

Accepted items include: 

  • Non-data-bearing electronics (e.g., monitors, power cords, desk phones) 
  • Data-bearing devices that have been assessed and cleared by IT (IT ticket confirmation required) 
  • Printers, keyboards, mice, and related accessories 
  • Small appliances (e.g., microwaves, toasters) 
  • Other electronic devices (with a plug) 

Bulk electronics removal: 

  • Requires advanced notice, as bulk removals are scheduled ahead of time with external vendors 
  • All materials must be clearly labeled, with detailed descriptions and photos included in the service request 
  • Additional coordination may be required based on the type and volume of materials 

All types of standard batteries (alkaline, lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride, and more) are accepted via battery collection bins. To report bin overflow, place a service request. 

Specialty or oversize batteries are accepted through the service request form. Oversized batteries and other larger e-waste items should not be placed on top of battery collection bins. 

The Office of Sustainability manages the collection and responsible disposal of lightbulbs through approved vendors. All lightbulbs must be placed in designated universal waste drums. If collection is needed from an established accumulation point, please submit a service request to arrange pickup. 

We accept the following types of lightbulbs: 

  • Fluorescent tubes
    • Please note: fluorescent tubes longer than 4 feet must be completely contained in original packaging, not provided waste drums, for compliance with lightbulb transportation requirements 
  • CFLs 
  • LEDs 
  • Ballasts 
  • Other specialty bulbs (O/U ring) 

Styrofoam is collected both through the service request system and in designated lab collection zones. Current accumulation areas include Olsen Hall and Weed Hall. To inquire about a collection zone for your lab area or to report collection overflow, please contact sustainability@uml.edu or place a service request. 

Accepted items include: 

  • Clean, rigid block foam only 
  • No food-contaminated material 

Accepted items include: 

  • New, unopened ink and toner 
  • Used ink and toner contained in original boxes or in labeled plastic bags 

Confidential document shredding bins are available upon service request. Please make sure to note in your request whether you need a bin delivery, bin swap or bin removal. Please note that bulk confidential shredding projects require advance notice.

University furniture is assessed for redeployment and reuse prior to removal. Requests are managed both internally and through external vendors. Through this process, surplus furniture is prioritized for redistribution on campus. A network of certified vendors that specialize in institutional surplus reuse connect UMass Lowell with charitable partners and responsible recycling outlets to maximize landfill diversion and extend the life of usable assets. 

Furniture Removal Guidelines 

  • 5 items or fewer: Processed internally by the Office of Sustainability (small desks, chairs, shelving, filing cabinets, etc.). 
  • More than 5 items or heavy/bulky items: Requires advanced coordination with Project Management and The Office of Sustainability, including a walkthrough to assess scope, planning and funding.  

The Office of Sustainability reserves the right to refuse any request that is deemed out of scope. This will be promptly communicated to the requestor.  

If the item you are trying to recycle could not be found, please review the following list of items that are not accepted for pickup through the service request system. If you are still unsure whether your item qualifies for pickup, please submit a service request with photos for review or email sustainability@uml.edu. For more information about sustainable disposal, access the MA RecycleSmart Recyclopedia. 

Items not currently accepted for pickup include: 

  • General office or laboratory supplies (i.e., pens, pencils, paper, pipette tips, etc.) 
  • Textiles (including scraps) – please refer to campus textile collection bin locations here 
  • Standard batteries – please refer to battery recycling bin locations here 
  • Books – please refer to campus book collection bins here 
  • Cubicle parts/desk dividers – must be coordinated with external movers and/or Project Management 
  • Furniture in poor condition 
  • Wooden items and scrap wood (excluding furniture that is approved for redeployment across campus) 
  • Glass (excluding lab equipment evaluated on a case-by-case basis) 
  • Items located in inaccessible or contaminated spaces 

Whenever possible, items leaving the university are reviewed for potential reuse or resale through the Surplus Program and the GovDeals platform. Items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may include equipment, furniture in good condition, and other reusable materials. Please note that office supplies are not currently eligible for this program.  

For any sale exceeding $2,000, proceeds beyond that threshold are split evenly between the requesting department and the Surplus Program. Funds retained by the Surplus Program directly support specialized recycling initiatives and student employment opportunities focused on sustainability. 

Equipment originating from laboratory spaces must be fully assessed and decontaminated by Environmental Health and Safety before pickup can be scheduled. In addition, any items with asset or barcode tags must be decommissioned by the Property Office prior to pickup.