Frequently Asked Questions - Events Recycling and Composting

For more information, see our Event Recycling and Composting Guidelines.

Bottles and Cans

Q. What kinds of bottles and cans can be recycled?
A. We accept all plastics containers, metal cans, foil, and scrap, glass bottles and jars, and milk and juice cartons. We do not accept aerosol containers or polystyrene (aka Styrofoam). 

Q. How many recycling bins do I need to order?
A. PSSI provides 32 gallon plastic recycling bins. Each of our 32 gallon event recycling bins, holds either 120 aluminum cans or 100 plastic water bottles. To determine how many recycling bins you need, consider the number of people that you expect multiplied by the number of drinks a person will consume during your event and then strategize how to place the sets at your event. Recycling bins must be ordered in the same number as trash bins so they can be placed side by side at your event.

Food and Compostable Material Collection Service

Q. What kinds of compostable materials can be recycled?
A. Food and compostable material includes food scraps, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, coffee grounds, teas bags, soiled paper, soiled napkins, plants, flowers, leaves, tree trimmings, sawdust, and compostable serviceware (corn, sugar cane, potato) that is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. We do not accept any kind of non-compostable plastic in the compost bins, including paper coffee cups that are lined with a plastic film. However, we do accept pizza boxes, donut boxes, paper plates/napkins/cups that are not lined with plastic in the compost bins.

Q. What are the special requirements for Food/Compost Collection?
A. Our compost facility has zero tolerance for food waste contamination. We do not sort through the compostable material; it is hauled directly to the compost facility. Therefore, we have the following special requirements for this service:

Requirements for Food/Compost Collection

  • Agree to purchase only BPI certified compostable serviceware (Biodegradable Products Institute - http://www.bpiworld.org/BPI-Public/Approved/1.html)
  • Agree to replace all single-use and/or disposal items with a reusable, recyclable, or compostable option
  • Agree to train special event volunteers and staff on food waste and recycling program
  • Agree to develop announcements, signage, and other educational material to educate attendees on food waste and recycling program
  • Agree to assign volunteers or staff to monitor bins

Q. How many containers do I need?
A. We provide 32 gallon plastic recycling bins for composting. 64 half-gallon size lunch boxes will fit into each 32 gallon container. Compost bins must be ordered in the same number as trash bins so they can be placed side by side at your event.

Paper, Cardboard and Plastics Film

Q. What kinds of paper and cardboard can be recycled?
A. All types of paper are recyclable on campus as long as they are not contaminated by food or oil and are not covered in plastic. Examples of what we do not accept are pizza boxes, donut boxes, paper plates/napkins/cups, laminated sheets of paper or Tyvek. However, we can recycle cardboard, flyers, booklets, newspapers, and paper packaging.  In addition, we can collect with paper or separately, plastic film including, plastics bags, bubblewrap, air pillows, dry cleaning bags, and shrinkwrap. 

Q. How many containers do I need?
A. PSSI provides 32 gallon plastic recycling bins for your recycling needs. To collect large amounts of cardboard from one central area, dumpsters and debris boxes can also be ordered to separate your cardboard from your trash. Rates vary, so please call our office for more information.

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