Below is an email message you can send to colleagues regarding sustainability tips and best practices.
Dear Colleagues,
This email is to update you on current recycling practices on campus.
Plastics
NIU recycles all plastics numbered 1-5 and 7. Polystyrene, plastic bags, and most plastic packaging are not recyclable. Hard plastic caps are also not recyclable.
Paper
Make sure paper recyclables are dry and contain no plastic or other materials before placing them in a recycle bin. Shredded paper should not be kept in plastic bags. Place it directly in recycling bins instead.
Glass
All colored glass is recyclable: brown, green, clear, etc. Pyrex glass, window glass and ceramics are not recyclable in our program.
E-Waste
NIU collects e-waste generated by university departments and recycles these products with a CMS-certified recycler in accordance with state regulations. All NIU e-waste can be dropped off at Shipping and Receiving near Campus Mail between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Batteries
There are two ways to recycle Lithium-ion, Ni-MH, Ni-Cd, and alkaline (household) batteries on campus:
- Request an envelope from campus mail by calling campus mail (815-753-1183). Once you have your campus envelope, cover the ends of each battery with clear tape to prevent accidental discharge, place them inside, and address them to "Campus Mail/Recycle." If you have a large stockpile of batteries, place them in a box that is marked "Batteries for recycling" and campus mail will pick them up.
- Place in one of the several small brown recycling containers and gallon tubs that are also labeled "batteries only" throughout campus. A complete list of these locations can be found on the campus sustainability website.
Light Bulbs
Light bulbs from offices and students in the residence halls are accepted for recycling. Spent light bulbs are changed and collected by Building Services employees and electricians. Bulbs are prepared for shipping to Ingleside, IL where they are recycled. Contact Dave Mannia (815-753-2383 or dmannia@niu.edu) if you need bulbs changed.
Ink Cartridges/Toner
In March 2024, DOIT changed all of the Anywhere Prints printers/copiers to the Ricoh brand. Unfortunately, the company NIU was using previously for cartridge recycling does not accept the Ricoh cartridges. As a result, only Ricoh cartridges can be recycled on campus. The cartridges should be placed in a sealed, clear plastic bag. They can be dropped off or mailed to "Campus Mail/Recycle."
If you still have an HP printer or other brand, it is up to you to recycle it on your own, independent of campus. Most manufacturers have recycling information on their website and will print off a free shipping label that you can print off to adhere to the box and send it back at no cost. If you provide campus mail with these labeled boxes, they will send it back to HP on your behalf. Any boxes without such a label will be thrown out. Local stores such as Target also offer ink cartridge recycling drop-off. Contact Stefanie Zimmerman at 815-753-6286 or szimmer2@niu.edu with questions.
If you have any further questions, you can review the guidelines on the campus sustainability website or email sustainability@niu.edu.
[department chair or director]