Recycling at UNI

The city purchased nine roll-off containers, eight of which are currently used for recycling at the site. Set on concrete pads, they will accept household recyclables; including plastics coded 1 through 7, plastic grocery bags, clear and colored glass, tin cans, office paper, cardboard, newsprint and magazines. The city assisted with site development and improvements. The university provides site surveillance, grounds maintenance and trash removal.

For more on the recycling substation, contact Brian Heath at 319-268-5575

The Panther Parkway Recycling station has diverted the below materials from the landfill (in tons):

Paper Recycling

The University of Northern Iowa has an active paper recycling program. Approximately 250,000-350,000 pounds are recycled annually from academic buildings. In most academic buildings there are generally two waste receptacles at work stations, one dedicated to paper and the second for all other refuse. The custodial staff maintains both receptacles, sometimes on an alternate night basis. Transportation Services moves the paper from the academic buildings to the compactor at the West 27th Street warehouse.

Virtually all paper items may be recycled in this manner including phone books.

Printer Cartridge Recycling

Campus Supply recycles old printer ink cartridges. To recycle, send printer cartridge to mail code 0193 and mark the cartridge "recycle". Rechargeable batteries under 2 lbs are also recycled. This recycling system saves UNI money.

Housing & Dining Recycling

Housing & Dining has a collection system in place at university residence halls for mixed recycling.  

Big Belly Kiosks

UNI has six Big Belly Solar Kiosks in high-traffic areas on campus. The kiosks contain a Big Belly solar compactor flanked by two recycling containers for mixed recycling. Additionally, there are six standalone Big Belly solar compactors near other major crossroads on campus. These compactors both reduce campus litter and the time our grounds staff spends emptying the containers. The recycling containers further enhance opportunities to recycle.

Please see the Office of Sustainability for additional resources.

While the university has a number of recycling and sustainability efforts, actual waste is taken to the Black Hawk County Landfill (usually via the City of Cedar Falls Transfer Station at 15th & State Streets).

Academic Year waste disposal (in tons):

I want to recycle my plastic water and pop bottles, but I don't know where the bins are. Where can I recycle my plastic bottles on UNI's campus?

There are several places around campus to recycle your plastic bottles:

• East of the ITTC
• East of Rod Library
• East of Wright Hall
• South of East Bartlett
• Southeast corner of Lang Hall
• North of Seerley Hall
• North of Gilchrist Hall
• Begeman Hall
  • First Floor outside Room 101
• Maucker Union
  • 19 bins located next to most trash cans
• Wellness/Recreation Center
  • WRC Lounge
  • Main Hall near the Crunch Cart
  • East Upstairs Fitness Area
  • Lower Level Rock Wall Area
  • Hall by Computer Lab
  • 2nd Floor Elevator Area

Where is the UNI recycling substation, who can recycle there, and what can be recycled?

The UNI recycling substation is located west of Hudson Road, north of the UNI Power Plant on the west side of Panther Parkway. This site is open to everyone affiliated with the University of Northern Iowa and all Cedar Falls residents. The site accepts household recyclables, including:

• Plastics coded 1 through 7
• Plastic grocery bags
• Clear glass
• Tin cans
• Office paper
• Cardboard
• Newsprint
• Magazines

What are we doing at UNI to reduce paper waste?

The University of Northern Iowa has an active paper-recycling program. Approximately 250,000 to 300,000 pounds of paper are recycled annually. In most academic buildings there are two waste receptacles at workstations: one dedicated to paper and the second for all other refuse.

Where can I recycle printer cartridges and batteries on UNI's campus?

Campus Supply recycles old printer ink cartridges and rechargeable batteries under 2 pounds. To recycle, send printer cartridges or batteries to mail code 0195 and mark "recycle."

Can pizza boxes be recycled?

Yes. However, if they are tainted with oil and grease they are not recyclable unless you remove the tainted portions. When paper products, like cardboard, are recycled, they are mixed with water and turned into a slurry. Grease from pizza boxes causes oil to form at the top of the slurry, and paper fibers cannot separate from oils during the pulping process. Essentially, this contaminant causes the entire batch to be ruined. This is the reason that other food-related items are non-recyclable (used paper plates, used napkins, used paper towels, etc.)