About Recycling at Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University launched its recycling program in 1987 in response to the New York State Solid Waste Management Act of 1988, with a focus on reducing waste across Long Island. What began as a paper and cardboard initiative has expanded to include a wide range of materials, helping reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Resource and Reuse Management (R&RM) supports the campus community through weekly recycling collection in residence halls and academic buildings, office recycling services, and the processing of materials such as woody debris, asphalt, brick, and concrete. R&RM also manages the collection of solid waste from dumpsters, compactors, and other campus containers.
How Recycling Is Collected
Stony Brook's recycling team operates dedicated collection routes to move recyclable materials from locations across campus for processing. Two packer trucks collect paper and bottles and cans on separate routes, while box trucks with lift gates support the collection of pallets, scrap metal, scrap wood, donated clothing and reusable items.
From Bin to Collection
Paper and bottles and cans are collected separately along dedicated campus routes. Recycling staff empty designated containers into collection vehicles that transport the materials for further processing.