Below is a list of recycling waste receptacles that are managed by Sustainability Services. If there is a waste receptacle that is not listed below but you have questions about, please contact the Grounds and Automotive department at tbramble@pugetsound.edu. If you have questions about the recycling system on campus, please email us at recycling@pugetsound.edu.

You can also search where an item should be disposed of by using the City of Tacoma’s “What Goes Where?” search feature.

Note: This guideline is specific to our on-campus recycling operations. For off-campus recycling guidelines, visit www.tacomarecycles.org. 

Recycling Toter
Recycling Toters
Academic buildings

Curbside recyclable items (i.e. cardboard, cans, paper, empty plastic soda bottles (no caps)clean milk cartons), no food! Check www.tacomarecycles.org for list of recyclable items.

Slim recycling bin
Slim Bins
Residential halls

Curbside recyclable items (i.e. cardboard, cans, paper, empty plastic soda bottles (no caps), no food! Check www.tacomarecycles.org for list of recyclable items.

Outdoor recycling bin
Outdoor Recycling Bins
Outside the Collins Memorial Library, in Karlin Quad (on the path between Jones and Music), and by the Rotunda

Curbside recyclable items (i.e. cardboard, cans, paper, empty plastic soda bottles (no caps), no food! Check www.tacomarecycles.org for list of recyclable items.

Glass and e-waste recycling bin
Glass & E-Waste Bins
Residential halls and academic buildings

Only clean glass and e-waste (i.e. i.e. old charging cables, computer monitors).

Green food waste gin
Food Waste Bins
Some residential buildings

Only food waste (i.e. meat, eggs, coffee grounds, flowers, pasta). No paper products or compostable foodware (i.e. paper napkins, cardboard, or compostable cutlery).

Waste Management FAQs

Technology Services (LINK), located in the basement of Collins Memorial Library

If you are a faculty or staff member and have a significant amount of books, please contact us to arrange a date and time for a specialized clean out. Alternatively, you are encouraged to donate all unwanted books to Half-Priced Books (LINK) or another local donation center.

Batteries can be put in the Glass/E-Waste Bins or dropped off at the Info Center (located in Wheelock).

  • Paper towels
  • Pizza boxes
  • Cafe cups
  • Frozen food boxes
  • Nut milk cartons