FAQ's

We have compiled a list of some of the common Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to email the Student Recycling Team here.

What is Single Stream Recycling and why is it better?

What locations on campus can I recycle?

I have some dead batteries, what should I do with them?

What should I do with my old cell phones and electronics?

Who do I tell if my classroom has no recycling bin?

How can I get the pamphlets I see in classrooms over the recycling cans?

What can be recycled in the new blue cans?

What should I do with my empty pizza boxes?

If I put my empty bottles into the same bin as my paper, won’t it smell bad?

I have seen some garbage/recycling cans that have three openings, what should I put into the openings?

What is Single Stream Recycling and why is it better?
Single stream recycling refers to simplifying the process of collecting recyclable materials and sending them to a recycling facility in a mixed state. With single stream, one container is used for all paper, glass, metal and plastic recyclables. These traditionally separate streams are combined into a single stream which is then transported to a recycling center where it is separated, processed and resold to companies who will make it into new products. The benefits of single stream are as follows:

• Reduced cost
• Ease of recycling because there is no sorting of recyclable materials into separate bins
• Reduced volume of materials that go to a landfill

What locations on campus can I recycle?
Each academic building has blue recycling bins in the common areas, for example atriums, lounges, near bathrooms and by stairwells; please note that not every building will have a bin in all of these locations. In addition, each classroom on campus contains a blue recycling bin where recyclable materials can be placed. There are also several new recycling units located on the sidewalks throughout the campus. A map of these locations can be found here. (Go to Top)

I have some dead batteries, what should I do with them?
There are currently three battery recycling locations on campus. The Science building has one bin in the 1st floor office. Rowan Hall also has one bin on each floor in the Administrative offices. Bozorth Hall has one bin on the first floor. The secretaries in each building can show you where these bins are. (Go to Top)

What should I do with my old cell phones and electronics?
These item cannot be thrown out or recycled normally as they may contain harmful metals. There are several options depending on the material you have.

• Cell Phones: There is currently a cell phone collection program on campus in Triad. You can contact the Triad RD for more information.
• Computers: When you buy new computers they often come with information on how you can ship your old one back to the company, usually free of charge. They will recycle the parts and dispose of the materials properly.
• Ink Cartridges: You can return used ink cartridges to Staples. Often new ink cartridges contain an envelope for you to ship it back to the company free of charge.

If you have electronic equipment and are not sure what to do with it, please do not hesitate to send us an email at RUGreen@rowan.edu as we are sometimes able to dispose of the equipment for you. It is important to keep all electronic equipment out of the waste stream as it can cause contamination of landfill and drinking water. (Go to Top)

Who do I tell if my classroom has no recycling bin?
The Student Recycling Team is in the finishing stages of our Recycling Blitz during which new recycling bins where placed into the classrooms on campus. The majority of classrooms now have blue recycling bins in them; however we are aware that not every room has a new bin in it. We are working to ensure each classroom has a bin. If you find a classroom that does not have a bin, please do not hesitate to send us an email at RUGreen@rowan.edu. (Go to Top)

How can I get the pamphlets I see in classrooms over the recycling bins?
The instructional pamphlets are available to everyone here as a .pdf file. If your classroom or office does not have a pamphlet, please contact us at RUGreen@rowan.edu and we can place one there. (Go to Top)

What can be recycled in the new blue cans?
This is a list of items that can be recycled:

• Cardboard
• Glass
• Metal
• Paper- including colored paper, envelopes and Post Its
• Plastic

What should I do with my empty pizza boxes?
Pizza boxes are one of the hardest items to recycle. Any materials that are contaminated will animal fats or oils generally cannot be recycled because they will reduce the quality of the material to the point where they cannot be reused. One solution is to recycle the top of the box that often has no oils on it. If the box contains a cardboard insert on which the pizza rests, it can be removed and the rest of the box recycled. (Go to Top)

If I put my empty bottles into the same bin as my paper, won’t it smell bad?
This is a question that is very common, as long as the bottles are emptied and rinsed this is not a problem. Most bins are also emptied on a daily or weekly basis; this reduces the possibility of smells developing. (Go to Top)

I have seen some garbage/recycling cans that have three openings, what should I put into the openings?
Some recycling units were purchased before Rowan converted to single stream recycling. As a result, they may have three openings labeled trash, paper and plastic. It is not cost efficient to replace these units as they are new. These units are still single stream and will be collected as such. When you encounter one of these units, follow the labels on them. (Go to Top)