Como Recycling Facility - University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities hosts a top university recycling program, with waste collected into four streams: paper, cans/bottles, compost, and trash. The campus operates the Como Recycling Facility, where materials are hand-sorted and sold to local markets. Paper includes printer paper, cardboard, magazines, etc., while cans/bottles are separated into glass, metal, and different plastics. Compost includes food scraps, napkins, and certified compostable products. Trash includes non-recyclable items like chip bags and Styrofoam. Waste stations in 285 buildings ensure equal access to recycling for the 50,000 individuals on campus, diverting 4 million pounds of waste annually. Custodial Services collect and transport materials to loading docks, where Waste Recovery Services handle further transportation. Compost goes to the SMSC Organics Facility, while non-recyclables are sent to the HERC in Minneapolis. The university aims to achieve a 90% recycling rate and promotes waste reduction through sustainable practices and zero waste initiatives.