Recycling and waste reduction guidelines

  • Bring a reusable water bottle or thermal mug for water and coffee.
  • Copy and print double-sided documents when possible to reduce paper use.
  • Email flyers rather than printing and posting on campus.

  • Consider downloading materials when possible and only print what is absolutely necessary.
  • Check out materials instead of copying articles.

  • Use the Print Preview and Spelling & Grammar Review functions before printing to avoid unnecessary printing, which will also save you printing costs.
  • When possible, edit your documents on the screen.
  • If needed, print proofing drafts in single-spaced formats to save paper and convert to double-spacing as required by your instructor.
  • Reuse single-sided printouts for scrap paper or for note-taking.
  • Save files and e-messages on OneDrive.
  • Think before you print.

  • Store information on network drives or OneDrive rather than in file cabinets.
  • Route documents around the office or post on bulletin boards rather than distributing individual copies.
  • Reuse blank side of single-sided documents as scratch paper, taking messages, or note taking. The GTCC Copy and Print Center can glue and pad scratch paper for a nominal fee. Please email them at copyandprintcenter@gtcc.edu for more information.
  • If your department orders copy paper, choose paper with recycled content.
  • Use email for sending messages rather than paper.
  • Reuse kraft envelopes for campus mail.
  • Use washable mugs and silverware instead of disposable cups and plastic or wood stirrers for beverages.
  • Avoid junk mailings, catalogs, and periodicals by contacting companies to request to be removed from their mailing lists.
  • Recycle empty printer toner cartridges.

Yes:

  • Plastic bottles (discard tops and flatten)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Paper packing material
  • Newspaper
  • Copier/printer paper
  • Colored paper
  • Envelopes
  • Index cards
  • Flyers/brochures/periodicals

No:

  • Paper cups
  • Plastic cups
  • Plastic food containers
  • Plastic bags
  • Binder clips/paper clips
  • Spiral-bound notebooks
  • Carbon paper
  • Glossy paper
  • Styrofoam packing material
  • Bubble wrap