Recycling in VT Departments and Residence Halls

Recycling in VT departments

VTR provides labeled stackable paper bins, labeled commingled can and bottle container bins, and deskside paper bins at no charge. You can request recycling bins online.

Custodial or Housekeeping Services will service the paper bins daily or as needed. VTR will provide scheduled pickup from loading docks or service areas. For details please see the departmental information PDF.

Recycling in residence halls

All students living in Residence Halls are responsible for handling their own recyclables and refuse. A blue bin, roll of trash bags, and sheet of instructions are provided to each room or suite at the beginning of the school year. Students are responsible for bagging trash, and sorting out recyclables, and taking these materials to one of the Consolidated Sites located outside Hall entrances.

At each of these Consolidated Sites, you will find a green or brown open-top refuse container, and a maroon recycling depository for Commingled Containers (glass, aluminum, and #1 & #2 plastic beverage containers). This is a change from 2003, and the years preceding, when the recycling depository included a compartment for Newspapers. The change was made for two reasons: more room was needed for all the containers being recycled (yah!); and there was just too much trash in the newspaper compartment (boo!).

If you wish to recycle other materials, such as Sorted Office Paper or Glossy Magazines, please talk with your resident advisor or contact the VTR office. We're glad to help!

VTR also provides maroon 'recycling igloos' for commingled beverage containers at home football games. These igloos are located in the major parking areas for your convenience. We hope that recycling among loyal fans off the field will be as good as the performance of the Hustlin' Hokies on the field!

VTR does not currently collect or recycle hazardous materials or other "e-waste" such as batteries, monitors, computers, etc.

This material is handled by Environmental Health and Safety. To request service call 231-2982 or 231-6321. Or contact EHS via email.

Recycling Facts

• Est. volume of refuse/recyclables generated per student per day: .5 cubic ft.
• Est. volume of refuse/recyclables generated by all residential students during spring/fall semesters: 40,704 cubic yards (enough to cover Worsham Field 8 ft deep)
• Pounds of cardboard boxes collected for recycling from Student Move-In: 50,000 (approx 6 lbs. per student)
• Pounds of recyclables/compostables collected or processed on campus in 2005: 2,664,000
• Pounds of "trash" landfilled by Virginia Tech excluding capital/renovation projects in 2005: 10,025,420