What is Recyclable

Click here for a printable version of the flyer.

When in doubt, throw it out!

The University of Kentucky has a single stream recycling program where recyclable materials can be placed in the same container, mixed in; no separation or cleaning needed. 

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:  Please make sure every item is empty. Lids and caps are okay. The acceptable recyclable items that you may place in the recycling container are:

Cardboard and Boxboard: (boxes must be flattened)

• Cardboard packing boxes
• Cardboard tubes
• Cardboard egg cartons
• Frozen meal boxes
• Boxes with grey, brown or white insides
• Pizza boxes; freezer or takeout
• Cereal, cracker boxes, and any other box
• Beverages and refrigerated packaging (soft drink carrier cases, frozen food boxes)
• Food boxes and cartons

Paper:

• Office paper
  *paper with confidential information should be placed in a confidential paper/PHI container*
• Magazines
• Office and school paper
• Notepads
• Softbound or paperback books
• Colored paper
• Calendars
• Newspaper (with inserts)
• Folders
• Envelopes
• Fliers
• Brown or white paper bags
• Junk mail
• Spiral notebooks
• Brochures
• Milk, juice, soup cartons
• Brown or white paper takeout boxes
• Phone Books
• Shredded paper
• Paper cups
• Paper and cardstock – any size or color

Plastic:

• Plastic bottles and jugs
  • soda, juice, water, milk, detergent, peanut butter jars, yogurt cups and other plastic food containers
• Plastic cups (no straws)
• Plastic household containers
• Plastic to-go containers
  • Clamshell containers

Aluminum/Steel:

• Aluminum cans
• Steel cans
• Aluminum foil and aluminum foil pans

Glass Bottles:

• Any glass bottle and jar, any color

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS– Please do not place these items in a recycling container. 

• Food and liquids
• Any Styrofoam product or container
• Plastic bags (return to grocery stores instead)
• Paper napkins, paper towels, paper or plastic plates, and plastic utensils
• Pyrex, ceramic or plate glass