As the new academic year begins, many departments are organizing offices, storage rooms and shared spaces to prepare for the return of students, faculty and staff. Before sending unwanted materials to the landfill, consider how your cleanout can support waste reduction efforts across campus.
The FOD Recycling and Refuse Services team is here to help make your office cleanout as sustainable as possible. In FY2026, the university diverted more than 4,000 pounds of hardcover books from the landfill through campus recycling efforts, showing that small actions across campus can have a significant impact.
Planning an Office Cleanout?
Whether you're reorganizing your workspace, clearing out storage, or preparing for the busy semester ahead, Recycling and Refuse Services can provide the resources you need.
If you're preparing for a cleanout - big or small - contact Recycling and Refuse Services at recycle@osu.edu to request additional recycling and disposal capacity. They can provide extra containers for collecting recyclable items and coordinate pickups to keep your workspace clear.
Commonly Recycled Items
During office cleanouts, many materials can be recycled or reused, including:
- Office paper and file folders
- Softcover and hardcover books
- Cardboard
- Magazines and journals
- Select office supplies and packaging materials
By taking a few extra minutes to separate recyclable materials, you help conserve resources, reduce landfill waste and support Ohio State's commitment to sustainability.
Have questions or need assistance with your cleanout? Contact recycle@osu.edu to request support or learn more about available recycling services.