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Three Redbird Recycles members stand together at a basketball game in Redbird Arena.

Waste Reduction

We're reducing our waste by responsibly managing the materials we purchase and consume.

Zero Waste

Achieving Zero Waste

Zero waste means 90 percent or more of what we consume is recyclable, compostable, or reusable. This helps conserve resources and divert as much waste as possible from landfills.

Zero Waste Efforts

Procurement

When we need to purchase something, we do our best to find responsibly sourced products made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials.

  • Alternatives to Single-use Plastic

    We are reducing single-use plastic across campus by transitioning to compostable materials wherever possible. We also recommend aluminum products. Compared to plastic, aluminum is infinitely recyclable.

  • Materials

    We prioritize purchasing materials on campus made from environmentally friendly and/or recycled materials. This includes composite lumber, carpeting, and upholstery.

  • Foam Free Campus

    Illinois State is a foam free campus. We highly discourage the sale, procurement or distribution of packaging foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) in food containers and packaging materials.

    The responsibility for complying rests with the individual departments, faculty, staff, students, and suppliers. Contracted suppliers should not sell, give or deliver Styrofoam food service product to the campus.

Recycling

We've had an active recycling program since 1989. Today, we recycle as much as we can on campus.

  • Single Stream Recycling

    There's no need to sort or figure out where recycling goes. Our single stream recycling program lets you place your recyclable products in one spot. Look for the blue bins located all over campus.

    Download our recycling guide to see what you can and cannot place in the single stream recycle bins.

    Learn how to request a recycling bin from Facilities Services

  • Specialty Recycling

    Just because something can't go in single stream recycling bins doesn't mean it needs to end up in the landfill. The University recycling program can recycle specialty items like electronics, styrofoam, light bulbs, printer cartridges, toner, concrete, furniture, and more.

    Contact University Recycling when you have specialty items to recycle.

    TechZone will also recycle small and medium sized electronics.

    Keep batteries out of the landfill. Find recycle bins for your used batteries at all residence halls, the Office of Sustainability, State Farm Hall of Business, and Milner Library.

An outdoor water refilling station.
A student disposes of a cup in a centralized waste station.
A plate being thrown away in a composting bin.
An Earthchoice compostable straw and recyclable cup.

Composting

Composting turns food scraps into nutrient-rich soil so future food and plants can grow.

  • Dining Centers

    We compost our food waste in our two dining centers on campus and at catered events in Bone Student Center. Pulpers chop food scraps and napkins which results in organic compost. Our Dining Centers provide compostable takeout containers and paper straws.

    Learn more about the dining compost process

  • Compost Kiosks

    Find compost kiosks outside entry ways at Watterson Towers and Linkins, and on Redbird Plaza. Available to all students, faculty, and staff.

    Get access to compost kiosks

  • University Farm

    Food scrap from our dining centers can be contaminated with materials that are harmful to animals. This is why we use a commercial compost facility.

    The University Farm utilizes their own composting program that contains waste from the farm and Town of Normal Yard waste. You can purchase their compost soil to use in your own garden or backyard.

    Buy University Farm compost soil

Reusing

When we share resources and pass on things we no longer need, we extend the life of products and reduce our environmental impact.

  • Programs

    There are lots of efforts on campus that promote product reuse.

    Pass It On: If you no longer need something, give it to someone who does.

    Fix It Friday: Make minor repairs to your clothes so you can wear them longer.

    The Share Shop : Donate and shop for clothes, accessories, supplies, or small housewares. All for free.

    Clothing Swaps: Campus organizations occasionally host events where you can drop off clothes you no longer wear and take something you want to wear.

  • Dining

    We limit single-use products in our dining centers. We mostly use reusable plates, silverware, cups and other products to reduce waste.

  • Athletics

    Athletic contests can create a lot of waste. To help reduce our waste, we implemented a reusable cup program. Redbird fans can purchase one cup and use it for beverage refills at any athletic competition.

  • Electronics

    The University's technology department repairs and rebuilds campus electronics as much as possible to expand their life. When the time comes to retire technology, we recycle it responsibly.

There are lots of words associated with sustainability.

Learn what they all mean

Take Part In Zero Waste

Here are small steps you can take to recycle, compost, and reuse.

Recycle

  • Make an effort.

    Thanks to single stream recycling, it's easier than ever to keep things out of landfills. It still requires a little effort on your part.

    Look for recycling bins all over campus. If there's not one near you, take your waste with you and seek one out.

  • Know how to recycle.

    Pay close attention to signage and helpful information that tells you what you can and cannot recycle. This helps avoid contamination.

  • Reduce where you can.

    Avoid single-use plastic, especially those that are not recyclable.

Compost

It's easy to get started with composting. Here's how.

  • Save your scraps.

    Keep compostable material like food scraps, paper napkins, and BPI compostable containers in a small kitchen compost bin with a carbon filter.

    If you don't have a kitchen compost bin, you can use a paper bag and store the bag in your freezer. This prevents odors and pests like fruit flies from entering your living space.

  • Use the kiosks.

    Take your scraps to any kiosk around campus for composting.

    Learn how to to get access

Reuse

  • Avoid single-use plastic.

    Use reusable utensils, containers, straws, etc. whenever possible.

  • Shop secondhand.

    Extend the life of clothes and other products by shopping second hand rather than buying new.

  • Repair before you toss.

    From clothes to electronics, make an effort to fix something before you throw it out.

Waste Reduction Signs for Print

Print and use these signs when you want to communicate about waste reduction around campus. This helps us use consistent language and imagery, and helps reduce confusion and contamination.