Loyola University Chicago

What is Source Prevention / Reduction?

• Any effort to reduce, at the source, the quantity of waste generated, toxic chemical use, or any release into the environment (US EPA).

Why is Prevention / Reduction the Preferred Step to Managing Waste?

• The best approach to managing waste is to avoid creating it in the first place.  This requires individuals being responsible for their own actions to reduce the amount of trash she/he generates and reusing products instead of throwing them away.

Why is Waste Prevention / reduction and Recycling Important?

When people reuse or when products are made with less materials, less energy is needed to extract, transport, and process raw materials and to manufacture products.  When energy demand decreases, fewer fossil fuels are burned and less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.
Waste prevention and recycling divert organic wastes from landfills, reducing methane, a greenhouse gas from being released into the atmosphere.
Waste prevention and recycling divert materials from incinerators and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste combustion.
• Recycling makes good economic sense in that it creates jobs and generates valuable revenue for the United States and the State of Illinois.  According to The U.S. Recycling Economic Information Study, more than 56,000 recycling and reuse businesses in the U.S. employ approximately 1.1 million people, generate an annual payroll of $37 billion, and gross $236 billion in annual revenues.
• Recycling aluminum cans saves 95 percent of the energy required to make the same amount of aluminum from its virgin source, bauxite.
• It takes 75,000 trees each week to produce the Sunday edition of the New York Times.

How Do I Recycle at Loyola University Chicago?

• Dispose of mixed paper, plastics, cans, and bottles in its respective receptacle.  Visit our Recycle or Trash? page to learn what items are accepted as part of Loyola University Chicago's recycling program.
• Recycling receptables are located in campus buildings and dorms. 

Do I Have to Rinse Cans, Plastic or Glass Bottles Before Placing in Recycling Bin?

• No.  Also, it is not necessary to remove caps from plastic or glass bottles.

Do I Have To Remove Staples and Paperclips From Paper Documents Before Placing in Recycling Bin?

• Remove paperclips for future uses and staples do not have to be removed.

 CAN I Place Recycling Bins At My Workspace? 

• Yes.  Recycling bins can be used for mixed paper, cans, plastic and glass.  Two bins for your workspace might be necessary if you generate enough recyclables on a daily basis, one for paper and one for cans, plastic and glass.
• Labels for the bins are available from Facilities Management Department by placing a Work Order Request at http://tma.it.luc.edu/home.html.

Who Do I Contact If I Do Not Have Recycling Bins in My Department?

• Place a Work Order Request with Loyola's Facilities Management Department at http://tma.it.luc.edu/home.html.
• Volunteer and become a Liaison / Ambassador on your floor and department. Liaisons / Ambassadors help make sure recycling bins are available in their department and share Best Practices with colleagues. 

where can I recycle paper, plastic, cans, and glass when off campus?

The City of Chicago has several Residential Recycling Centers that will accept mixed paper, plastic, glass, and cans.  To view locations, click here:  City of Chicago Residential Recycling Centers