Cleaning out an office is not an easy task. UW Recycling has some guidelines to help you get rid of your unwanted items.
Following these procedures help your department:
- stay compliant with surplus and waste regulations
- avoid messes that could impact other occupants’ work
- keep custodians safe by not overloading the waste bins they collect
…and minimize items that could be sent to the landfill!
1. Use UW Surplus
UW Surplus takes unwanted items, resells what they can and recycles most of the things that cannot be sold. If your unwanted item was purchased with University funds, regardless of condition, it must be transferred to UW Surplus.
You can either make a request for pickup with a delivery fee or schedule to drop off the item at no cost. Both options require you to fill out the Surplus request form.
UW Surplus will accept the following items if purchased with UW funds:
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Furniture
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Equipment (in working or non-working condition)
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Electronics (in working or non-working condition)
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Hardbound books (in good condition)
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Office supplies like binders or folders (in working or non-working condition)
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Non-hazardous lab equipment & components (in working or non-working condition)
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Reusable lab glass (as long as it's sanitized)
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And anything reusable that UW Surplus can sell!
If your unwanted item was not purchased with University funds, you can reduce waste by reselling or donating the item.
2. Request temporary paper toters from UW Recycling
If you’re getting rid of a lot of paper, UW Recycling provides temporary mixed paper toters for non-confidential paper cleanouts at the Seattle campus. (Keyword: non-confidential).
To determine if records are approved to be recycled, review the Records Retention Schedule for your item. You can also check out the paper reduction page for tips on how to cut down on paper use.
If you need to dispose of confidential documents that are past their retention schedule, options are listed on the confidential paper documents page.
3. Connect with UW Recycling
If an item can’t be reused, you can minimize waste by recycling. If you have a large amount of one type of item, please email recycle@uw.edu.
UW Recycling organizes special recycling at the Seattle campus for the following items. Each item has different instructions so click the links for more information.
- eMedia (non-confidential batteries, tapes and disks)
- Foam packaging (Styrofoam, etc.)
- Hardbound books (in poor condition)
- Plastic film
- Keep in mind that all plastic film has be to be clean. If the plastic film has been in contact with food, please put it in the garbage.
- Softbound books
- Softbound books can go into any mixed paper or recycling container, but please reach out to UW Recycling if disposing of large volumes so that your building's normal recycling containers are not overloaded
- Scrap metal
- Toner cartridges
- Wood
- For large wood items, first ask UW Surplus if they will accept them. If not, follow the instructions on this page.
You can also check the disposal guide to see how to sort your item or check our container and services page. If you have questions, send an e-mail to UW Recycling at recycle@uw.edu. We are happy to help!