Dual-stream recycling
This method of source-separated recycling requires you to make sure you put the correct item in its corresponding bin. Items are kept separate based on the materials they're made from.
Where to Recycle
Recycling receptacles are conveniently located throughout campus. Call 777-WORK if you have a collection issue in your building or to request additional bins in your location.
Recycling centers are also located for mixed recyclables in every residence hall. Call 777-FIXX for recycling issues in University Housing.
We have collection bins for two types of recycling, dual-stream and single-stream.
Single-stream recycling
Also know as "mixed collection," this type of bin allows multiple materials to be mixed together for collection. You may dispose of paper, plastic, glass or metal in any and all of these bins.
Moving/Cleaning-Out Your Office
We provide temporary bins for:
- Mixed paper
- Hard-cover book recycling
- Zero waste (anything else reusable or recyclable)
Contact the Work Management Center for assistance »
How to Recycle
Recyclable paper items:
- White and colored paper
- Newspaper
- Magazines
- Journals
- Phone books
- Soft cover books
- Hard cover books - with covers removed
- Brochures
- Envelopes - even windowed
- Manila folders
- Hanging file folders
- Invoices
- Bond stock
- Letterhead
- Forms
- Computer printouts - no carbons
- Photocopy wrappers
- Index cards and sheets
- Writing paper
- Drawing or note paper
- Register rolls
- Binder dividers - paper only
- Wrapping paper
- Greeting cards
- Blue prints
- Paper cups (ie, water cooler cups)
- Cardboard boxes
Corrugated Cardboard must be emptied and flattened before recycling. It is your responsibility
to make sure cardboard is disposed of in the blue dumpster outside of your building.
For large quantities, pickup can be arranged.
Contact the Call Center for a pickup request »
Make sure all cans a bottles are empty and dispose of them in any of the designated bins in residence halls and academic buildings on campus. All rigid plastics are accepted.
Recycling drop-off locations for plastic, glass, and metal containers can be accessed at these locations:
- Greene St. behind Woodrow
- Columbia Hall Parking Lot
- Main St., behind the Green Quad
- 1244 Catawba St.
Contact the Call Center for more information about scheduling a drop-off or pick-up.
Battery recycling collection stations are located throughout campus.
Contact the Call Center for more information about scheduling a drop-off or pick-up.
Yearly Events
Give It Up For Good
We can help you donate unwanted items to charity during the last three weeks of Spring semester. In your residence hall lobby, you'll find instruction for items and locations to donate. USC Housing contributes over 14 tons of reusable goods to local charities each year.
RecycleMania
RecycleMania is an 8-week college recycling challenge that takes place from February - April across the United States and Canada. It is used to focus attention on campus recycling programs and increase student participation.
Move-In Cardboard Recycling
Now that you've unpacked, you'll need to figure out what to do with those empty boxes. Look for special areas dedicated to collecting corrugated cardboard when you move-in during Welcome Week in August. Just follow the signs in your residence hall and make sure all boxes are emptied and flattened before recycling.