1. What plastics are recyclable at NIU?
      The 3R Program at NIU accepts the plastics labeled with 1 or 2. This includes soda pop bottles, water bottles, some food containers, and the plastic rungs around six-packs. At this time, the program does not accept yogurt containers, the plastic containers from food services, or the caps from beverage bottles. Please do not put these in recycling. They are to be thrown in with the garbage. See Making Recycling Easy.

2. Why can't I recycle broken glass?
      While the 3R Program accepts glass, we do not take broken glass because of safety hazards it presents to those who process it. Please put all broken glass in the garbage.

3. I work with a lot of Pyrex in the lab. Can I recycle this glass?  
    No, Pyrex glass, window glass, and mirrors all have different melting points compared to the glass use in other containers. Because of this, they cannot be recycled with the glass collections here at NIU.

4. Do you accept envelops with windows?  
    Yes. Windows do not present a problem for recycling. We also accept junk mail. Just add these materials to the paper recycling unit.

5. My department does a lot of shredding. Will recycling take care of this for me?  
    While the 3R Program will pick yp your shredded materials, we do not do shredding. The university frequently works with a company named ShredX, and you may consider calling them.

6. My department doesn't recycle. Why do we have to have the bins put in our
    office?   
    The 3R Program received a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. Part of the grant requirements was that the program be implemented campus wide. For that reason, the central collection units and the desk side blue bins are not optional. The optional part of theprogram is a black mini-bin that replaces your garbage can.

7. My department has a new person. How do I get additonal recycling bins?   
     The desk side bin is assigned to the desk, not to the person, so you should not need additional bins. This policy allows us to track of the bins. If, however, one disappears, call us at 753-0352, and we will deliver the extra bins you need.

8. My question wasn't answered here....   
    Go to the "Tell Us What You Think" page. You can send us your question, and we will get back to you soon!

9. If I move to a different department, can I take my mini bin and desk side bin?   
    You mini bin is yours to keep, but the desk side bin stays with the desk. This is for inventory purpose.