Recycling FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling:

Do I have to separate white and color paper?

White and color paper can be mixed together at ODU and put into bins labeled "Paper Products". This includes paper with any color ink, blue or green-barred, and yellow legal paper. Construction paper is considered a contaminant and should not be recycled with blended paper. See What & Where to Recycle for a complete list of contaminants.

Can I recycle magazines?

Yes, magazines are made out of light, glossy paper and can be mixed in with newspaper.

Can I recycle batteries?

Yes! You can recycle batteries. Please place them in the nearest recycle bin.

Can I recycle metals?

Yes! All types and grades of metals are accepted.

Can I recycle all types of electronics?

Yes! Electronic recycling plays a significant part in our sustainability efforts.

Are tires recyclable?

Yes, but we do not recycle them at ODU. We recommend taking your tires to a local tire retailer where you may have to pay a small disposal fee.

Are cereal boxes recyclable?

Yes! We do accept it. Cereal boxes are made of chipboard, which is not as ideal for recycling as cardboard or plain paper, but we still recycle the material.

Can I recycle pizza boxes?

Yes! Just make sure it is free of food waste.

Can I recycle all types of plastic?

We accept all shapes, types and numbers. You can recycle all of your plastic here at Old Dominion University.

Are food containers to be rinsed?

Yes! Before putting those empties into recycling containers they should be thoroughly rinsed and free from food waste.

Where can I recycle telephone books?

We try to accommodate large offices by giving them special bins for telephone book collection. These are generally located near where the new books are being distributed. Telephone books can also be recycled along with newspaper and can be put in paper bins. See our Operating Services for more information.