Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) installed a cardboard-only compactor near the loading dock behind Hubbell Dining Hall over the summer. Hubbell and the Olmsted Center use the most cardboard packaging on campus. By strategically locating the cardboard compactor near these buildings, other dumpsters can be concealed and placed out of public view, labor and equipment hours can be minimized, and recycle disposal fees can be reduced. The recycling plant actually pays the University for providing pure cardboard.

For small, sporadic cardboard recycling needs, the single-stream recycling dumpsters should still be used. However, if you have a large amount of cardboard to dispose of, due to a large shipment of equipment or supplies, please contact FPM for assistance in moving it to the compactor.

Last year, Drake recycled more than 163 tons of recyclables, including cardboard, and so far this year, Drake has recycled 75 tons of materials. Click here to review Drake’s recycling guidelines to ensure materials are being recycled correctly and responsibly. Just because an item has a recycle symbol and number, does not mean it is recyclable through the Central Iowa Plant.

It’s important to note that the plant cannot recycle hard cover books. In order for these to be recycled, the cover needs to be removed and placed in the trash, and then the remainder can be recycled.

— Mitch Wieczorek, Facilities Planning and Management