Green Efforts & Recycling

We are students, faculty, staff and community members working toward a more sustainable campus in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Learn more about Maricopa's Global Sustainability Initiative.

What is Recyclable?

The following list of acceptable materials are recyclable at both campuses:

• Aluminum, such as beverage cans, energy drink cans, foil, and food serving trays/lids.
• Cardboard, boxes empty of packing materials and broken down; empty pizza boxes with minimal food residue.
• Cartons, such as milk or juice cartons.
• Chipboard, like cereal, cracker, cake mix boxes (without inserts), frozen food boxes, and paper towel/toilet paper rolls.
• Mixed Paper, such as printer/copy paper, cardstock, envelopes, file folders, Post-It notes, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, brochures, junk mail, brown paper bags, junk mail, posters, telephone directories, and shredded paper (in a clear plastic bag).
• Plastic Containers #1 & #2 only (all numbered plastics 1-7), such as water bottles, soda bottles, clear beverage cups/lids, clear clamshells (food containers), coffee cup lids, yogurt cups, margarine tubs, microwave food trays, serving platters/lids, milk jugs, and detergent/fabric softener bottles. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or bubble wrap. All food containers should be relatively clean, dry, and empty.
• Steel/Tin, like soup or vegetable cans, food storage tins, and empty aerosol cans.

Green Means Clean! The following items should not be placed in the recycle bins: glass, paper towels, tissues, napkins, food waste, liquids, chewing gum, chip or cookie bags, plastic bags, clear plastic wrap, bubble wrap, styrofoam, plastic food utensils, wax-coated coffee cups, electronics, light bulbs, batteries, toner cartridges, and cell phones. Garbage placed in our recycle bins contaminates the entire bin!

Are you interested in discussing sustainability, recycling, and awareness of environmental issues at GCC? Green Efforts is open to students, employees, and members of the community. For updated information on meetings, activities, and events, join Green Efforts on Canvas (MEID required). The Canvas site contains project information, meeting minutes, links to resources, and more.