1. Sustainability at NIU
  2. Campus Initiatives
  3. Recycling

Recycling and Waste Management

Our Goals

NIU is committed to recycling as part of our long-term goal of achieving a waste diversion rate of 100% (zero waste). The university continues to explore ways to reduce and/or divert waste, including that generated by food and dining operations and construction/demolition projects. We work toward our goal of zero waste by:

  • Conducting an audit to gain a more thorough understanding of campus waste streams.
  • Developing/implementing a variety of programs and methods to reduce/divert waste, including the possible installation of biodigesters that use food waste as an alternative to natural gas.
  • Encouraging education on waste diversion and providing data on campus waste generation, as well as resources on recycling, composting and waste disposal.

Our Progress

Our contract with Waste Management, our waste hauler, determines some of our current recycling practices, which include:

  • Commingled (single-stream) recycling of plastics, paper, glass and aluminum across campus.
  • Collection/recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) generated by university departments according to state regulations.
  • Proper recycling of batteries, lightbulbs and ink/toner cartridges used on campus.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of recycling and waste management at NIU, Campus Sustainability has pursued a contract with the Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) to conduct an ATLAS Zero Waste project at NIU. Through this program, students audit waste, create innovative solutions, and steer NIU toward our zero waste goals.

Our Partners

Recycling and waste management is ever present on NIU’s campus. The NIU Facilities Management and Campus Services team, including Building Services, works diligently to ensure our waste is being collected and managed to meet policy standards.

The Huskie Closet began as a student project. It provides a way for the university community to divert used clothing from landfills, while supporting Huskies in need. The closet accepts donations of clothes, shoes and seasonal items from students, employees and community members. Students can then visit the closet to get needed items for free.

Our partnership with PLAN continues to grow and shape future waste management practices at NIU.