Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university’s adjusted operational schedule, and closure to the public at large, the plan to eliminate the Interior Recycling Program permanently at the Moscow campus has been moved up from July 1, 2020 to April 27, 2020. Market conditions of the past 2 years and ongoing contamination issues with the recycling product stream at U of I and worldwide have greatly reduced the number of acceptable products allowed and has made most product recycling significantly more expensive than putting these materials directly into the solid waste stream.

With permanent budget and staffing reductions, undertaken in response to the university's budget challenges, we can no longer sustain this program. Interior recycling bins from across campus will be removed from all buildings, and no interior pickups will be offered for recycled materials. These materials should be placed in the solid waste stream from this point forward. If you are interested in doing your own personal recycling, you may take items directly to Moscow Recycling. Bins will be available for purchase from Campus Surplus for departmental or personal use for either self-recycling or general storage… but pickup services from Surplus/Solid Waste staff will no longer be provided.

Because of ongoing contamination issues, materials collected in the oval exterior recycling bins around the Moscow campus will be treated as solid waste from this point forward as well. Recycling programs that will continue are Metal Recycling, E-Waste Recycling and Exterior Cardboard Recycling. We regret the loss of the Interior Recycling Program but financial and market considerations have made this program unsustainable.

Sincerely, The Surplus/Solid Waste Team

The Surplus/Solid Waste (SSW) division within Facilities has the responsibility of managing the named programs, plus Lost and Found for the university. Because of the huge, world-wide market reduction in recyclables in 2019, as well as the permanent budget cutbacks to both SSW operational funds and staff, the Interior Recycling Program for the University of Idaho has been eliminated as of April 27, 2020. All interior recycling of paper, plastic, and aluminum cans should be either personally recycled or disposed of in the solid waste stream. Exterior Oval Recycling/Trash Containers are treated as solid waste receptacles now as well. Exterior cardboard container emptying will continue to be on an on-call basis as of September 1, 2019, and Building Services personnel will be sending those requests to the SSW team for service. Metal and E-Waste Recycling will continue as before. For department cleanouts of solid waste a budget number from the department will be required so that a work order can be set up to bring a toter or roll-off to your site, so that department staff can empty their trash into a larger container. SSW staff will not assist with this effort, but if additional assistance is required, City North American can be contacted to support your department. SSW staff will determine the safest place to place a toter or roll-off near your building. Further changes to the Surplus/Solid Waste programs may be forthcoming as circumstances dictate. SSW staff may be reached at 208-885-1715 and you may leave a voice mail message if there is no answer.