Med center recycling questions answered

UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s LiveGreen website answers many common recycling questions relating to the med center.

If you have a question about recycling at the med center, check out the LiveGreen recycling page. Resources also are available in the page on materials.

What can be recycled in the bins around campus?

Various types of recycling bins are available at the med center to helps keep metal, plastic, paper and cardboard from going to the landfill. Each bin has signage indicating what items are accepted. By policy, all paper should be placed in a blue deskside bin, large blue bin or large gray DataShield container. All paper is shredded to ensure HIPAA/FERPA/confidentiality compliance, and that applies even to non-confidential paper such as newspapers. Cardboard should be broken down and placed behind paper bins or in an area’s the designated location. Contact the Office of Sustainability for additional bins for an area.

What else does the med center recycle?

The med center recycles additional materials that include aerosol cans, alkaline batteries, furniture, electronics and writing instruments through processes outside of the normal recycling collection. Check out the recycling website for information about diverting other materials.

What are other ways to reduce waste?

● Supply exchange: Do you have unused supplies that could be used by somebody else? Are you in need of supplies? Check out the med center supply exchange to list and find office, lab and other supplies.

● Recycling special collection event: Each year, usually during Earth Month, the med center and University of Nebraska at Omaha partner to host a paper shredding, techno trash and e-waste recycling event.

● Waste handling information: UNMC is required to manage waste in a manner designed to protect patients, employees, students, contractors, visitors and volunteers, as well as the environment.

Why should be recycled?

Recycling is a simple way to help reduce the amount of material the med center sends to the landfill. Material in the landfill creates toxic emissions as it decomposes, while recycling turns old materials into new ones. Reducing and reusing are great strategies for helping the med center meet its Net Zero Waste by 2030 goal. Check out the online dashboard to track the progress.

For additional questions, please email the Office of Sustainability.