Congratulations! Not only are you finally settled into your residence halls and apartments, but you’re also getting used to college life! Now that you’re becoming comfortable with your new environments, it’s time to figure out how you can be sustainable in them. Whether it be through recycling, making a compost bin, or even through advocacy, there’s always a way to become more sustainable in these new places. Here’s 5 ways you can start recycling on and off campus.

1.) Use the recycling bins in the residence hall rooms

Break down those boxes from move-in day and either save them for move-out or recycle them! Each floor in the residence halls also have a trash room that includes recycling bins, so you have a spot to drop everything off on campus at all times. 

For more information on how to recycle in your residence hall, feel free to ask your Resident Assistant.

You can also find information on sustainability and recycling in the Residence Halls by looking at page 32 in the Guide to Living.

Check it out using the link here!

2.) Join your area’s recycling program

Not on campus? No problem! Find out if your area has a curbside recycling program where they can pick everything up. Don’t forget to find out what they will and will not take!

3.) Find recycling drop off centers

Here’s a hint: Springfield has three! Franklin Avenue Recycling Center, Lone Pine Recycling Center, and the Yardwaste Recycling Center. Find the one closest to you and utilize it!

To get you started, here’s the recycle hotline number for Springfield:

864 – 1904

Or you can visit www.springfieldmo.gov/recycling

4.) Make a compost bin

If you live on campus and eat at the dining halls, you probably know that whatever food is left on the plate is taken to the compost. If you live off campus, start one of your own! All you need is a bin, kitchen waste, and some time.

5.) Can’t find a recycling program? Make one!

With enough people and planning, you can get a recycling program going in no time! Just make sure you do your research just in case the area does have a program already set. Don’t forget to research what you can and can’t recycle!

Follow these 5 steps and you’re sure to have laid a foundation for a more sustainable future!