SUU Recycling Returns to Campus with Focus on Sustainability
Published: October 07, 2025 | Author: Ali Maynard | Read Time: 1 minutes
Recycling is an essential factor in upholding Southern Utah University's dedication to sustainability. However, due to high contamination rates, the recycling bins around campus had to be removed for several years. Despite this setback, the SUU recycling team has been working hard to reintroduce its recycling program on campus. T-Birds can help this program soar by learning how to recycle correctly.
"Recycling may seem like a lot," said Ben Cozzens, the sustainability specialist at SUU, "but even small efforts can lead to major changes when it is shared."
The four main objects that can be recycled include: #1, #2, and #5 plastics, mixed paper products, flattened cardboard, and metals. All of these things must be clean and dry. Plastics #3, #4, #6, and #7, waxed and carbon paper, paper smaller than a credit card, and glass cannot be recycled.
"Don't throw in anything you wouldn't want to touch with your bare hands," Cozzens said, "like food, tissues, or napkins."
Plastic numbers identify what kind of resin a plastic product is made of, allowing companies to discern which objects can be recycled. Only placing #1, #2, and #5 plastics in recycling bins keeps the process moving smoothly by preventing contamination. These numbers are usually found stamped on the bottom of a plastic product. If a product does not have a number on it, it should be placed in a trash bin.
"Be sure to share this information with your fellow T-Birds," Cozzens said, "and anyone else visiting campus to help keep our University of the Parks brand and keep the parks and campus beautiful."
T-Birds can learn more about campus recycling from this video, the SUU Recycling Webpage, and the SUU Sustainability Webpage.Tags: Campus Student Campus Resources Community
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu