The Morris campus has dedicated an entire building to house a successful student-run recycling program. In 2011, the campus recycled over 200,000 pounds of aluminum, tin, plastic, glass, and electronics waste as well as cardboard, glossy paper, office paper, and news printing. These recycling efforts create employment opportunities for students at the Morris campus.
Recycling makes “cents”
Recycling is a gain for the environment and the pocketbook. Waste disposal costs the Morris campus more than $1,000 per month before the waste contractor ever sets foot on campus. The campus is charged an additional $241 per ton after waste has been weighed. When items are recycled, the campus avoids this charge and realizes income from aluminum, corrugated cardboard, plastic, and office ledger. The income helps to employ two to four students in the Recycling Center.
Morris campus recycling guidelines
Here is list of what the Morris campus recycles and recycling guidelines.
Cardboard »
Cardboard is hauled to the Recycling Center where it is bailed in to large bails and later hauled to Rock-Tenn for processing.
Which kinds of cardboard are recyclable?
Corrugated cardboard and paper bags.
Which kinds of cardboard are not recyclable?
Any cardboard used for food products (i.e. pizza boxes, milk cartons, etc.), “rice” cardboard (commonly used in soda pop boxes, similar to cardstock), and any cardboard with a “glossy” finish.
Plastic »
Plastic is moved to the Recycling Center where it is bailed and hauled to Quality Check Plastics.
Which kinds of plastic are recyclable?
Plastics are classified by the type of resin used in its composition.
Most plastics have a symbol like the ones pictured. The number in the center denotes the type of resin along with the letters under the symbol. Numbers one and two are recyclable at the Morris campus.
Aluminum »
Aluminum cans are bagged and delivered to the Stevens County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) where they are processed.
Which kinds of aluminum are recyclable?
All aluminum is recyclable. However, don’t confuse aluminum with tin (i.e. soup cans), which has to be sorted separately.
Electronics »
Where do they go?
Electronic waste is shipped to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus for processing.
Which kinds of electronics are accepted at the Morris campus?
Anything with a circuit board or electronic components is accepted. Major appliances should be recycled as scrap metal (with all the plastic removed). Please contact the Recycling Center at 320-589-6493 with any questions and/or to request a pick up.
Tin »
Tin is hauled to the Recycling Center where it is bagged and delivered to Engebretson Sanitary Landfill & Demolition Landfill for recycling.
Which kinds of tin are recyclable?
All tin is recyclable. However, don’t confuse tin with aluminum (i.e. pop cans), which has to be sorted separately.
Glass »
Both clear & colored glass is recycled on the Morris campus. Glass is moved to the Recycling Center where it is hand sorted by color. The glass is later crushed and delivered to Engebretson Sanitary Landfill & Demolition Landfill for recycling.
Which kinds of glass are recyclable?
Ceramics & window glass.
Paper »
Paper is brought to the Recycling Center for sorting. Paper is sorted into one of the following categories: ledger, glossy, newsprint, or deep colors, and stored in large cages. Books are sent over to a large shear to have their spines removed and the paper pages are recycled as ledger.
Which kinds of paper are recyclable?
Almost all paper can be recycled. Any paper that can be classified as ledger, newsprint, glossy, color, or books can be recycled at Morris.
Which kinds of paper are not recyclable?
Any paper used for food or cleaning purposes (i.e. paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, etc.)
Paper Shredding »
The Recycling Center also provides a confidential shredding service to Morris campus departments. Please contact the Recycling Center at 320-589-6493 with any questions and/or to request a pick up.
