Recycling at UTSA
Facilities recognizes that recycling and waste minimization efforts don’t just save money—they contribute to a sustainable environment and a greener campus. In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, UTSA has adopted all-in-one recycling and the mini-bin program to enable waste reduction and increase campus recycling. With the help of our Roadrunner community, we are able to recycle hundreds of tons of mixed paper, cardboard, electronics, lamps, batteries, plastic and other recyclables. Additionally, Facilities does its part by recycling all construction and repair materials such as metal and PVC plastics.
Recycling containers are available to faculty, staff and students living in residence halls. Indoor and outdoor containers can be found throughout campus, offering a convenient way to keep campus clean while protecting the environment.
To request a new recycling bin or container, contact the Facilities Service Center at facilitiesservicecenter@utsa.edu.
All-In-One Recycling
All-In-One Recycling is a single-stream recycling process that quickly and easily decreases waste and increases recycling. In this process, all recyclable items are placed in a single container and are sorted off-site at a recycling facility. Meaning, you can help make a big difference in the environment by choosing the right bin for your recyclables. For more details, check out our video!
Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Items
Recyclable
| Paper | Cardboard | Plastic | Metal |
| All Types of Paper | File Folders | Water Bottles | Aluminum Beverage Cans |
| Newspaper | Poster Board | Take-Out Containers | Food Cans |
| Envelopes | Frozen Food Boxes | Soda Bottles | Scrap Metal |
| Junk Mail | Cardboard Boxes | Bagged Film Plastics | Small Appliances |
| Phone Books | Clean Cartons | ||
| Brochures | Ream Wrappers | ||
| Magazines |
Special Handling
These item should never be mixed with regular recycling. Follow the normal procedure to dispose these items. This includes taking them to the mail room and disposing of them in the correct container. Our staff will pick up and process these items separately.
- Batteries
- Ink/Toner Cartridges
Waste
- Food Waste (e.g. bananas peels, apple cores)
- Plastic Bags
- Styrofoam
- Used Tissue, Paper Towels, Or Napkins
- Aluminum Foil
Mini-Bin Program
The Mini-Bin program is a waste minimization initiative designed to encourage faculty and staff to be more environmentally conscious when producing waste. Mini-bins can be found at each desk or work station, attached to your personal recycle bin. They serve as a constant reminder to recycle more and produce less waste.
Recycling starts by correctly sorting recyclable and non-recyclable items. Recyclable items such as paper, aluminum, plastic, and small cardboard boxes must be placed in the recycle bin. Non-recyclable items like soiled tissues, apple cores, banana peels, and any other items that cannot be recycled must be disposed in the mini-bin. When your bins are full, take it to the centralized trash and recycle stations located on every floor of every building and empty its content.
At the end of the day, most of the waste generated in an office is paper, which should be recycled. When you get right down to it, there’s not much trash left in your mini-bin. Learn more about how simple it is to take care of the planet and keep campus clean by viewing our clip!