Waste

The UF Office of Sustainability and Facilities Services work together to assess the UF waste stream and implement comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs. Innovative programs have been started across campus operations to reduce, divert and recycle waste.

Man places material into blue recycling bin. Green and orange bins are visible behind him.

Waste Reduction at UF

The most important step in addressing waste is to reduce where ever possible.

Resources to Reduce & Divert Waste

  • UF Surplus Property: Makes unwanted, but still usable materials such as electronics and office furniture available through the Surplus Warehouse.
  • PrintSmart Initiative:  Helps departments save money on scanning, faxing, printing and copying, and includes a department assessment to determine what type of multi-functional device (MFD) best meets a unit’s needs.
  • Reusable Coffee Mugs Save You Money: When you bring your own reusable coffee mug to the campus Starbucks location, you receive a discount.
  • Housing Move-Out Recycling Program & Compost Initiatives: Provides recycling in the residence halls on campus during spring move-out. Housing also hosts a move-out program that works with local area charities to collect and distribute re-usable furniture and supplies. Housing also commits to diverting waste from landfills by composting paper towels.


Recycling and waste bins on UF campus

Recycling

The university’s recycling program is managed by Facilities Services, who facilitate the collection of paper, corrugated cardboard, scrap metal, wooden pallets, concrete, masonry, yard waste and other materials as well as the expansion of recycling receptacles on campus. From paper and aluminum to ink cartridges, electronic waste and furniture, UF has developed a comprehensive guide to help you discover what can – and can’t – be recycled on campus. Visit recycling.ufl.edu for the most up-to-date information on the various accepted materials and collection points for recycling.


Hands scoop up rich dark dirt

Composting

Compost is organic matter – such as food scraps and compostable materials –  that has decomposed over time and with the help of heat and microorganisms, and can be recycled as a nutrient-rich fertilizer and soil amendment. By composting food waste and organic materials, UF is reducing the amount of trash being hauled to the landfill while helping to create new, beneficial soil amendments for use in residential or commercial settings.

Learn More

Art display: Old TV with cell phones and batteries forming a face on its screen, with a speech box saying

Technology/Electronics Recycling

Electronics (e-waste) contain many harmful chemicals and components that can damage the environment and lead to harm to humans and animals if disposed of improperly. To prevent this, UF policy requires that all electronics purchased for campus use are safely disposed of through UF Surplus/Asset Management (read more about this process here).

Drop-off Locations for Personal E-waste

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