Waste Audits & Recyclemania
Zero Waste Philosophy
Solutions
FAQs
For issues or questions related to recycle pick-up
Phone: 206-281-2330
Email: recycling@spu.edu
Solutions
Here are some tips and strategies to help you move towards a zero waste lifestyle. Visit the Sustainability Blog to add your own ideas!
The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Miscellaneous Items: Opportunities for Reuse and Recycle
The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce
- Reduce the amount of paper thrown away by:
- Making double-sided copies
- Decreasing your default page margins to Office 2007's "narrow" setting
- Storing documents on your computer or server instead of printing out paper copies
- Buy products in bulk rather than individually packaged items
- Purchase products with less packaging whenever possible
- Invest in durable, easy-to-repair goods, instead of "disposable" ones. Higher initial costs are usually justified by lower maintenance, disposal, and replacement costs.
- Repair rather than replace equipment
Reuse
- Use paper that's been printed on one side for notes or scratch paper
- Set up a "reuse station" in your department or residence hall floor for materials such as file folders, interoffice envelopes, boxes and paper to be stored for reuse
- Keep a reusable travel mug in your car or carrying case to avoid using disposable cups
- Carry water in reusable containers instead of using disposable plastic bottles
- Reuse packaging materials such as boxes, newspaper, tissue, and packing peanuts
- Reuse commonly disposed of items such as sandwich or grocery bags for activities such as packing lunches or shopping for bulk items or produce
- Take advantage of web communities like Craigslist and Freecycle, where you can offer, exchange, and receive free second-hand goods
- Use reusable containers instead of plastic baggies
- Use canvas bags to carry your groceries instead of using paper or plastic
Recycle
- Purchase recycled products by looking for the recycled symbol
- Purchase recyclable products whenever possible
- Recycle properly by disposing of the correct materials into each particular type of recycling container. Refer to the "What Can I Recycle?" section of the site for more information on what is and isn't recyclable.
- A little research goes a long way when it comes to recycling unusual or bulky items. We've tried to make it easier on you by adding a section on recycling miscellaneous items.
- If you live in an off-campus apartment in Seattle, commit to composting your food waste. If your building isn't signed up for Seattle's apartment composting program, ask your landlord or building manager to sign up.
Miscellaneous Items: Opportunities for Reuse and Recycle
Some things, like copy paper and plastic bottles, are easy to recycle. Other items require a little more digging. We've compiled the following resources to assist you in some of your more daunting recycling endeavors.
Reuse
- Buy, sell, or donate used textbooks via ASSP's Book Exchange
- Sell or give away items using the SPU Classifieds, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace
- Give (and receive!) free items using Seattle Freecycle
Recycle
The most difficult items to recycle are often electronics. The following information is intended as a resource to assist in recycling both personally owned electronics as well as University equipment not yet supported by our recycling infrastructure. CIS is responsible for recycling all University-owned computers and monitors.
Washington recently began requiring electronics manufacturers to provide free recycling services for computers, monitors, and televisions. The E-cycle participants nearest SPU are listed below. Some locations accept additional electronics for a fee, as noted.
Accepts computers, monitors, and TV's free of charge.
- Goods for the Planet (corner of Dexter & Mercer, in the South Lake Union area)
Accepts computers, monitors, and TV's free of charge. Also accepts:
- printers: $10 (under 10" tall), $20 (10-24" tall), or $55 (over 24" tall)
- miscellaneous electronics (speakers, DVD players, etc.): $6 (under 10 lbs.) or $12 (over 10 lbs.)
- peripherals and "technotrash" (keyboard, mouse, cables, PDAs, etc.): $1 / lb.
- InterConnection Computer Reuse and Learning Center (just east of Gas Works Park, in Fremont)
Accepts computers, monitors, and TV's free of charge. InterConnection is a signatory to the e-Stewardship program, a rigorous commitment to environmentally and socially responsible electronics recycling. They also accept:
- peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, small speakers, memory, ink cartridges, and network equipment): free
- cell phones: free
- printers and scanners: free, up to 15 lbs. ($0.35 / additional lb)
- Staples (Interbay area)
Accepts computers, monitors, and TV's free of charge.
- large equipment (printers, etc.): $10 each
- small equipment & peripherals: free