The Rollins Single-Stream Recycling Program

Rollins College has a Single-Stream Recycling Program! That means that your carton, paper, plastic, aluminum, tin, and glass all go in the SAME bin! This makes things simple: the only choice you have to make is between the trash can, and the recycle bin.

Heck, it could even be called the “Simple-Stream Recycling Program!”

But it’s important for you to know that not everything is recyclable. Here’s a rundown of what IS, and what ISN’T, recyclable.

Here’s what is recyclable:

Plastics:

We recycle any plastic with a narrow neck, that’s two gallons or less.

Aluminum:

We recycle aluminum, tin and steel. That includes aluminum foil and pie pans.

Glass:

We recycle all colors of glass… and you don’t even have to take the labels off.

Carton:

We recycle carton. That includes your milk cartons, egg cartons… but that does not include shopping cartons.

Paper:

We recycle pretty much all paper (with the exception of waxed paper, tissue paper, and wet paper towels). Examples of perfectly recyclable paper products include junk mail, magazines, newspaper, printer paper, packing paper, shredded paper, and envelopes--even if they have a plastic window.

Cardboard:

We recycle all types of cardboard. Flattening your boxes helps save space and reduce the number of truck pickups per week. In turn, that reduces our environmental footprint.

 Here’s what isn’t recyclable:

FOOD is not recyclable.

LIQUIDS are not recyclable.

PLASTIC BAGS are not recyclable.

Used coffee cups are not recyclable (but the cardboard heat-handle is recyclable).

Biodegradable cups are not recyclable (but they biodegrade, which isn’t so bad).

Plastic to-go containers are not recyclable (but they can be re-used whenever you go out to eat).

Waxed paper (like receipt paper) is not recyclable.

Used paper towels are not recyclable.

Tissue paper is not recyclable.

Plastic wrap (like cellophane) is not recyclable.

Rubber is not recyclable.

Styrofoam is not recyclable.

Candy wrappers are not recyclable.

Bubble wrap is not recyclable (but it is re-usable).

Other Special Notes on the Rollins Recycling Program:

Weird electronics stuff should be taken to the IT Helpdesk where it can be re-used or disposed of properly.

Printer cartridges can be recycled in the special collection unit at the base of the stairs in front of Dave’s Down Under. Please do not place them in regular campus recycling receptacles.

Batteries can be recycled in the special collection unit at the base of the stairs in front of Dave’s Down Under. Please do not place them in regular campus recycling receptacles.

Plastic bags can be recycled in the special collection unit at the base of the stairs in front of Dave’s Down Under. Please do not place them in regular campus recycling receptacles.

Where to Recycle?

There are recycling receptacles All Around Campus!

Outside, you can find green metal recycle bins.  

Inside--in the buildings, classrooms, and residence halls--you can find blue bins.

Each recycling receptacle should be outfitted with a GREEN bag (that’s how we tell them apart from the trash bags and make sure that they don’t go to a landfill).

The Rollins Sustainability Program has provided each student with his or her own recycling bin. Students should keep these in their dorm rooms, and should empty them into the larger recycling bins on their floor.

Please contact the Rollins Sustainability Program or the Environmental Studies Department if you are a student, faculty, or staff member and do not have a small blue personal recycling bin.