Recycling at DU

Sustainability: Your University, Your World

One of the University's stated goals is to achieve financial, operational, human, and environmental resource sustainability. This is accomplished in part by practicing responsible environmental stewardship.

The mission of DU's Recycling Program is to implement a convenient, safe, and cost-effective recycling program that is available to as many people as possible. We rely on participation and feedback from students, faculty, and staff to continuously expand and improve upon existing programs, as well as to develop new recycling/sustainability initiatives. Since recycling at DU is just one action the institution and its members can take to increase sustainability, we strive to provide additional information about sustainable living so students are aware of how to lessen their environmental impact.

To this end, we will dispose of unwanted materials and equipment in an ethical fashion that protects both the environment and the people involved in the recycling efforts. Our practices will be fiscally responsible and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.

 

 

DU Recycles

The University of Denver's Recycling Program involves thousands of recycling bins located next to nearly every trash receptacle on the DU campus. The program from Altogether Recycling™ allows different recycling materials to be co-mingled in the same bin. The Alpine Waste & Recycling company is responsible for sorting the materials.

The Collection Process

DU’s custodial staff will empty large, centrally located bins. You must empty your own desk-sized bins into the closest larger recycling bin located in your department/building. The frequency of the larger bin pickups will vary from one to five days per week, according to demand. Click here for a complete list of items for Altogether Recycling™ items.

 

DU Composts

Compostable materials are collected separately from garbage, corrugated cardboard, paper, bottles, and cans, and then taken to a compost facility off-campus to be made into a new soil product. Food and compostable material are defined as food scraps, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, coffee grounds, teas bags, plants, flowers, leaves, tree trimmings, sawdust, soiled paper/napkins, pizza/donut boxes, and compostable serviceware that is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. Click here for a complete list of compostable items.