Waste and Recycling

Sorting Waste at UMB

At UMB, we employ a dual-stream recycling program in non-lab areas*, collecting cardboard and paper separate from mixed recycling (metals, plastics, glass). Our waste container infrastructure and signage has been upgraded through the self-service waste program rollout.

In the Paper/Cardboard Bins ▾

Office paper
Computer printouts
Books (including paperbacks, textbooks, and hardbacks)
- Large quantities should be collected through a Bulk Disposal work request
Newspapers
Magazines and catalogs
Envelopes
Hot beverage sleeves
Brown paper bags
Flattened cardboard and paperboard boxes
- Please put these items BESIDE/BEHIND the bins due to their large size
- If you need a box cutter to break down your boxes more easily, please contact sustainability@umaryland.edu.

Please note: Shredded paper should be bagged and placed to the side of paper/cardboard bins for collection by EVS custodial technicians.

In the Mixed Plastics, Metal, and Glass Bins ▾

Rigid plastics (including jugs, bottles, and tubs)
Aluminum cans
Clean aluminum foil
Tin cans
Steel containers
Glass bottles (unbroken)
Milk and juice cartons

Commonly Confused Items That Belong in the Trash ▾

Styrofoam
Plastic wrap, plastic grocery bags**, and Ziploc bags
Chip bags and candy wrappers
Condiment packs
Pizza boxes with grease-soaked cardboard
Anything with food or beverage in it — these items must be emptied and cleaned
Plastic straws and utensils
Disposable hot coffee cups
Tissues, paper towels, and napkins
Aerosol cans
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap
Gloves (nitrile, latex, etc.)
Batteries — these can be recycled through specialty recycling/chemical waste pickup
Receipts

When in doubt ... throw it out!

Questions about an item not listed above? Email sustainability@umaryland.edu.

*For information on waste management in lab areas, please visit the Green Labs webpage.

**Please do not place plastic bags in recycling bins, as these can tangle up sorting equipment at the recycling facilities. Baltimore County has a great short video on these so-called tanglers called Tangled Up! Watch it on YouTube.