With numerous rules and specifications, recycling can seem overwhelming, here is a quick and simple guide to recycling at Oregon State University.

• Anything with a chasing arrows sign means it can be recycled.
• Bottles, papers and cardboard go in different places and should be separated before being placed in their proper containers.
• According to the Republic Services of Corvallis, all recyclables must be rinsed, “empty, clean and dry,” and should have no odor.
• If you live in a residence hall, your room’s recycling should be loaded into gray multi-bin units located on your ground floor.
• Cardboard boxes should always be flattened beforehand. For those who live in a resident hall, the cardboard containers are typically next to the trash dumpsters.
• As the OSU Campus Recycling Guide said, “Before recycling a cardboard box, make sure to remove all other packaging on and inside the box, like tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, etc.”
• Recyclables must also have no food contamination. Anything with food residue or oil cannot be recycled.
• The OSU Campus Recycling Guide states that “cardboard with food on it, waxed cardboard, plastic packaging or other box contents,” is not recyclable.
• Paper items such as napkins, paper towels, paper plates and coffee/soda paper cups cannot be recycled but may be able to be composted.
• Any type of paper you would usually write on, envelopes, greeting cards, book paper, magazines, newspapers, notebooks, paper bags and packing paper are all recycled in the same category. Cereal boxes can also be recycled with the paper.

More information on OSU’s recycling policies can be found here:

On OSU campus: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/recycling/resources/osu-recycle-guide

OSU Corvallis How-to recycle on campus Video: https://youtu.be/SA8s3A0_WHY?si=cYX4E35TGfKZrWXW

In corvallis: https://www.republicservices.com/municipality/corvallis-or