1. WHAT TO EXPECT:
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2
3
• Candy or granola wrappers
• Napkins and tissues
• Plastic wrapping and plastic bags
• Chip bags
NC STATE UNIVERSITY WASTE REDUCTION & RECYCLING | 919.515.9421 | RECYCLING.NCSU.EDU | RECYCLING@NCSU.EDU
Tips for using your mini-waste bin
On January 7 and 8, Housekeeping will remove your deskside
landfill bin and replace it with a mini-bin bin.
Each desk will have one small deskside recycling bin and one
mini-hanging landfill bin.
Individuals, not housekeeping, will continue to be responsible
for routinely sorting deskside waste at the nearest central site.
Housekeeping only empties these bins on a monthly basis.
CENTRAL SITE LOCATIONS:
90% of waste produced in an office space is recyclable. We can greatly reduce the size of
our waste bin, preventing large otherwise recyclable materials from going to the landfill. Liners will
not be provided, preventing hundreds of plastic liners from going to landfills on a daily basis.
• Plastic and glass bottles
• Aluminum and steel cans
• Paperboard
• Paper
Mixed Recycling Bin
We recommend taking any bulky
items directly to the central site
miniMAX Bin
Please do not leave food scraps in bins,
as they can produce odors and pests.
For additional information on what is recyclable on campus visit recycling.ncsu.edu/what-to-do-with/
Central sites are located in high traffic areas, such as hallways, break rooms, and reception areas.
The miniMAX Pilot
Minimize waste Maximize recycling

2. Why is Waste Reduction and Recycling implementing the miniMAX Pilot?
Waste Reduction and Recycling is committed to testing initiatives that influence both source reduction
and waste diversion. This pilot is only one step in many initiatives across campus to do just that. As
we pass the 50 percent diversion rate margin, we must continue the momentum towards zero waste.
What research suggests that this pilot works?
Hospitals, governments, businesses, and universities across the country have been implementing
programs like this for the last 20 years.
 UNC-Charlotte discovered about a 15 % increase in recycling and a savings of about $13,000
annually in waste liner reduction.
 Porter County, Ind., reduced its waste pickup cost by one-third.
 Kalamazoo County saved about $4,000 annually with an elimination in waste liners.
How will we know that the program is working here?
Waste Reduction and Recycling tracks waste statistics. This includes on-board truck scales, waste
audits, assessments, and student or faculty surveys.
How can something so small possibly hold all of the trash I produce every day?
Gauge when to empty your bins. Frequency depends on use, you may need to empty it every day,
every other day, or once a week. You may realize just how little landfill waste you produce.
So, what should I place in my mini-bin?
The mini-bin holds candy or granola wrappers, napkins or tissues, and plastic wrap or bags. Bulky non-
recyclable materials like food containers should be placed in the designated landfill bin at a central site.
Central sites are located in areas that are frequently used on a daily basis: break room, copy room, mail
room, etc.
What about the smell or mess from food left in my mini-bin?
Your mini-bin and recycling container will not contain a liner or trash bag. One of the benefits of such a program is the
reduction in trash liner purchases. Therefore, please take all food waste (apple cores, banana peels, and un-eaten waste)
directly to the central site. The size of the mini-bin makes it suitable for rinsing in the sink.
What do I put in my blue desk-side recycling bin?
Put any recyclables in your blue desk-side recycling container. Keep in mind that some bulky items may need to be sorted at
one of the central sites. We suggest only putting paper and aluminum cans in your desk-side recycling bin. Try sorting your
plastics, glass bottles, and other bulky items directly into the central site recycling bins.
Where can I empty my desk-side recycling and mini-bin?
In August of 2011, a policy requiring all employees to empty their own desk-side waste containers was established. Continue
to follow this policy. Keep in mind that housekeeping only empties office bins monthly. A full list of housekeeping services can
be found at facilities.ofa.ncsu.edu/housekeeping. When the waste bin pair is full, sort items into the nearest central site.
Can I bring my own plastic bag to line my mini-bin?
Please do not bring your own plastic bags as this prevents us from eliminating them from landfill waste. Should you still wish
to use your own plastic bag, reuse it as many times as possible.
What do I do if my mini-bin is stolen or lost?
Contact Waste Reduction and Recycling if your mini-bin is stolen, lost or you have further questions.
Call: (919) 515-9421
Email: recycling@ncsu.edu
miniMAXPilotFAQs