UNO | Sustainability| Recycling

UNO Recycling History

What have we done?

Electronics and used computers are either redistributed on campus, or for those items that are antiquated or unusable, processed by a recycling vendor.
Fluorescent tubes, HID Bulbs and PCB lighting ballasts are recycled by a licensed vendor.
Batteries are recycled either at the point of purchase (of replacement batteries), or are delivered to a local vendor for recycling.
Aerosol cans are typically punctured and the contents collected (for disposal as hazardous waste). The empty puncture cans are then offered for recycling.
Scrap metal is collected at various campus locations then recycled when enough volume is present to make this feasible.
Waste concrete from the structures lab is sometimes used as fill/bank stabilization material.
Aluminum cans are collected by select student groups or other organizations.
A solid waste sort was conducted on the Dodge location to identify the typical contents of our solid wastestream. Details are available from the Environmental Club of UNO web site.
In the fall of 2008 the University expanded its recycling program to include a single-stream system (similar to the City of Omaha’s), through FirStar Fiber.

What can we do?

Individually, you can participate in your trash collector’s recycling program and/or collect recyclables and deliver to one of several recycling centers.
Remember that recycling is the third “R.” Attempt to reduce (consumption) and reuse as well as recycle.
Send electronic copies of files wherever possible, eliminating the need for consuming paper.
Print and copy on both sides of paper to reduce consumption by 50%.
Evaluate the need for automatically printed routine reports. Check with recipients to see if electronic copies will suffice.

More information:

City of Omaha Recycling