Recycling receptacles at UCSB are easily accessible and strategically located to meet the recycling needs of the UCSB Community. UCSB promotes both commingled recycling and multi-stream recycling where appropriate. BLUE is the designated color for recycling at UCSB. For the recycling rates at UCSB, please refer to UCSB’s latest Waste Diversion Plan.
What Can I Recycle?
Metal
Aluminum, steel, tin, bi-metal, and other select scrap and precious metals can be recycled at UCSB. Examples of common metal recyclables include:
Aluminum Cans
Clean foil and trays
Empty aerosol cans
Paper clips and staples
Plastic
Plastics #1 - #7, which includes all hard plastics and some soft plastics, can be recycled at UCSB. “Compostable” plastics such as "PLA7" are not accepted in the recycling waste stream. Examples of common #1 - #7 plastic recyclables include:
Beverage bottles and bottle caps
Plastic cups and plates
Plastic food containers
Plastic packaging
Yogurt containers
Glass
Glass bottles and jars of any can be recycled at UCSB
Paper
Clean and unsoiled office paper can be disposed of in recycling receptacles. Common examples of paper waste includes:
Computer, copier, fax, lined, and paper
Colored paper (NO Astrobrites)
Envelopes
Sticky notes
Manila folders
Paper bags
Cardboard (please flatten boxes)
Paper packaging
Phonebooks
Shredded paper
Wax cartons
Aseptic Packaging
Although not recyclable everywhere, aseptic packaging can be recycled locally through the process of hydrapulping.
Juice boxes, most coconut water and almond milk containers, as well as chicken, beef, or vegetable containers. Tetra Pak is a notable company in the industry that produces aseptic packaging.
Where Can I Recycle?
Indoor Recycling
Outdoor Recycling
