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