Beginning in 2008, UMass Lowell launched a successful Single Stream Recycling program in partnership with Casella Waste Solutions, our waste hauler.

River Hawks Recycle Right

Program Overview

The black trash and blue recycling bins you see around campus are the central collection points for the majority of our collective day-to-day waste. Each of us must be responsible for how we manage our waste.

Existing personal office, lab and room trash receptacles continue to provide occupants a means to separate their waste stream products (recyclable and non-recyclable). It is essential that each of us bring our waste products to the centralized waste collection areas and properly dispose of them.

If you have ever wondered what you can throw into a bin the containers nearly all have signage on them or you can reference the lists below for a list of Recyclables and Non-Recyclables:

    • Color of Waste Container: Blue
    • Material To Throw Into Container:
      • Office paper (white/colored)
      • Magazines
      • Newspapers
      • Glossy Inserts
      • Books
      • Junk Mail
      • Envelopes
      • Aluminum cans
      • Tin
      • Steel
      • Cardboard
      • Clean
      • Boxboard (shoe boxes/cereal boxes)
      • Glass bottles and jars
      • Plastic bottles #1-7

    • Color of Waste Container: Black
    • Material To Throw Into Container:
      • Food waste
      • Recyclables containing food waste
      • Clothing and shoes
      • Unmarked # plastic (packaging, chairs, toys)
      • Batteries
      • light bulbs
      • electronics
      • Pyrex or ceramic (dishes, plates, mugs, pots)
      • Foam packaging
      • Aerosol cans (paint, hairspray, cleaner)
      • Straws
      • Lids

Questions?

If you have additional questions about how our recyclables or waste is managed please reach out to the Office of Sustainability by email at: Sustainability@uml.edu.