MTSU Recycling Program Overview

Contact Information:

• MTSU Recycling Program Office: 615-898-2822
• Center for Energy Efficiency: 615-519-8096

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Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is dedicated to environmental stewardship through a comprehensive recycling program. This initiative aims to protect and improve the environment by reducing non-hazardous waste, conserving energy, and recovering resources. The program also helps save on disposal costs and generates revenue for scholarships.

Key Objectives:

• Conserve energy
• Recover valuable resources
• Protect the environment
• Reduce disposal costs
• Generate funding for scholarships

Responsibilities

The Facilities Services Department oversees the implementation of the recycling program, with the Center for Energy Efficiency managing and coordinating waste reduction efforts. This program has been operational for over 25 years, having been transitioned from the MTSU Biology Department in 2005.

Participation:

All members of the university community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—are encouraged to actively participate in recycling efforts. Individual cooperation is crucial for the program’s success.

Recycling Operations

The MTSU recycling program collects materials from over 85 locations, including:

• On-campus sites
• Local city and county government buildings
• Local businesses

Collection and Materials:

• Campus and Community Recycling: Aluminum cans, mixed and white paper, newspapers, magazines, printer cartridges, cardboard, maintenance metals, and more.
• Community Drop-Off: Currently closed; please refer to the Rutherford County Waste website for alternative options.

Items Accepted for Recycling:

• From the Community:
  • Paper (white, colored, glossy, envelopes, notebooks, paper bags, paperback books, junk mail, thin cardboard)
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Aluminum cans
• Campus Only:
  • Any paper/books
  • Cardboard (corrugated and other)
  • Plastic drink bottles
  • Printer cartridges
  • Maintenance metals
  • All types of batteries
  • Pallets
  • E-waste

Additional Recycling Initiatives

The recycling program also manages the disposal of:

• Fluorescent light materials (lamps and ballasts)
• Batteries
• Motor oil
• Yard waste
• Roofing materials

Sustainable Practices:

• MTSU promotes green purchasing by encouraging the procurement of recycled content materials whenever possible.
• The university aims to incorporate recycling initiatives in renovation and construction projects, including managing construction and demolition debris.

Support and Funding

The recycling program has received support from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, including a donation of over 65 recycling bins. Additionally, it has benefitted from funding through the Sustainable Campus Fee project.

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For more information about recycling at MTSU or to request a pickup, please contact the Center for Energy Efficiency at 615-898-2822.