Western recognizes mixed-recycling. This means that you can throw all of your recycling in any of the over 100 labeled white recycling containers located throughout campus.

What can go in the white recycling containers?

• Plastics #1-7 (please NO plastic bags and make sure that liquids are empty and the majority of food is scraped out)
• Metal cans
• Paper
• Cardboard (no grease/food stains, and please flatten boxes)

What can’t go in the white recycling containers?

• Cardboard soda and coffee cups
• Drinking straws
• Plastic utensils
• Pizza boxes that have grease stains

Where can I recycle?

Western does not have the capacity to recycle all the items listed below; however, you can drop these items off at a variety of local businesses for recycling.

• Textbooks: If you cannot resell your textbook, consider donating them to students in developing countries. To donate, drop your unwanted books in the container next to the Campus Shop (La Crosse Campus).
• Plastic bags: Walmart, Target, and Festival Foods
• 3 ring binders: Office Depot
• CFL light bulbs: Home Depot
• Electronics: Best Buy or send to Dynamic Recycling
• Batteries: Buckets are located on campus for disposing batteries used at Western. Recycle batteries used for personal electronics at Menards, Best Buy, or Target.
• Cell phones: Target and Best Buy

For other hard to recycle items check out Terracycle, a company that can collect and recycle almost any form of waste—many times at no cost to you.