Princeton University

Recycling and Composting

Recycling: There are single-stream recycling dumpsters located in the dumpster sheds. What should be recycled in the recycling dumpsters:

  • Most kinds of paper may be recycled as long as it is not contaminated with food and is not coated with plastic or wax. (For example, pizza boxes, paper towels, and juice boxes are not recyclable, but regular paper, cardboard, newspaper, and phone books are.)
  • Glass bottles and jars may be recycled. Glass does not need to be sorted by color. Other forms of glass (e.g., broken mirrors) are not recyclable.
  • Metal cans and tins, including aerosol cans such as whipped cream cans, may be recycled. Aluminum foil may not be recycled.
  • Plastic bottles and jars numbered #1 through #7 may be recycled. Other forms of plastic, including deli containers, fruit containers, yogurt cups, and plastic utensils may not be recycled.
  • All containers should be rinsed before being put in the recycling bins.

Some of the mailbox areas also have paper recycling bins for unwanted mail. There are recycling buckets for household batteries located in the laundry rooms.

For information on recycling other materials, consult the Office of Sustainability website.

Composting: Composting buckets are located in the dumpster sheds. These recycling buckets only accept food waste (no napkins or compostable bags). There is also a composting bin in the Lawrence Garden that is available for use by members of the garden.