Acceptable Materials for Stanford's On-Campus Recycling Collection Program

To download or print a list of recyclables, click here.

Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Composting Guidelines

Acceptable Not Acceptable
Plastics, Metals, and Glass - Rinse, if possible, and separate caps and lids
  • All Plastic Containers
  • Metal Cans, Foil, and Scraps
  • Glass Bottles and Jars Only
  • Milk and Juice Cartons
  • NO Stryofoam or Plastic Bags
  • NO Aerosol Containers
  • NO Other Types of Glass
Paper Recycling - Keep them clean and dry
  • All Paper That Tears
  • Cardboard Packaging
  • Plastic Bags and Bubble Wrap
  • NO Contact With Food or Liquor
  • NO Corrugated Cardboard
  • NO Napkins, Facial Tissue, or Toilet Paper
Corrugated Cardboard
  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Flatten (if possible)
  • Packaging Tape OK
  • NO Contact with Food or Liquid
  • NO Styrofoam
  • NO Packaging Filler Material
Compostables - Kitchen and yard waste only
  • All Food
  • Paper Plates and Napkins
  • Compostable and Biodegradable Plastics
  • Plants, Leaves, and Wood
  • NO Human or Animal Waste
  • NO Bathroom or Facial Tissue
Landfill Only - If all else fails
  • Styrofoam
  • Human or Animal Waste
  • Ceramic or Non-Recyclable Glass
  • Aerosal Containers
  • NO Recyclable Materials
  • NO Yard Waste or Compostable Materials
  • NO Electronics, Lightbulbs, or Batteries

 

Residential Universal Waste Program

Stanford Faculty Staff residents have a unique curbside and drop off program for 5 Universal Waste items. Click here to learn more about this program that is specifically for Stanford Faculty Staff residents only. Residential identification required.

A Special Note about Monitors and Televisions

Computer monitors, televisions, laptop computers, and plasma screens are accepted for recycling at our office at 339 Bonair Siding, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.

Please do not leave these items at the Stanford Recycling Drop-Off Center. Unless we have the proper State of California form completed with your information, it must be considered abandoned waste and will cost the Recycling Center to recycle and handle it properly. We are able to accept these items in our office free of charge because of California’s 2005 Electronic Waste Law. The law requires the consumer to declare that the item was purchased and used in California. To make this declaration, you must provide your name and physical address (P.O. boxes are not accepted) on the State of California form that is available in our office. For more information about California’s Electronic Waste Law, see http://e-recycle.org.

Visit our E-Waste FAQ web page for answers to frequently asked questions about e-waste.

Not Acceptable

The Stanford Recycling Drop-Off Center does not accept the following:

  • Cups, napkins, and plates
  • Garbage
  • Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
  • Motor oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Batteries
  • Fluorescent lamps and CFLs
  • Paint
  • Hazardous waste

For information on the University's eWaste and battery recycling programs, visit the Environmental Health and Safety website.

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