Trash

Trash Disposal at UCCS

Not everything belongs in the trash. To prevent contamination, reduce waste, and protect campus safety, please follow these guidelines.

What Belongs in the Trash

A mix of disposable items including wrappers, plastic cups, utensils, and food containers.

Most items on campus should not go to landfill, but some everyday materials do belong here. When in doubt, use the trash bin to avoid contaminating recycling or compost, but never place hazardous materials in the trash.

Items that do belong in the trash

  • Snack wrappers, chip bags, candy wrappers

  • Plastic utensils

  • Straws

  • Styrofoam cups and containers

  • Coffee cups and lids (unless labeled compostable)

  • Greasy or oily paper or pizza boxes (if not accepted in compost)

  • Plastic bags

  • Small non-recyclable items like broken pens, lighters, and miscellaneous junk

Items You Should NOT Put in the Trash

Bold red and black ‘no trash’ symbol showing a crossed-out waste bin

These items require special handling and should never be placed in landfill bins. They contain hazardous materials or require proper recycling.

DO NOT put these items in the trash

These require special handling:

  • Batteries (all types) - (See Battery Recycling page)

  • Electronics - (Refer to E-Waster page/OIT)

  • Ink cartridges - many buildings have drop-off locations

  • Hazardous lab waste - contact your faculty or UCCS EHS (Environmental Health & Services)