Center for Energy and Sustainability
MTSU Recycles
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has promoted sustainability through its recycling program for over 50 years. Originally launched in 1972 by Dr. Patrick Doyle and the MTSU Biology Club, the program helps reduce non-hazardous waste, conserve energy, recover valuable resources, and lower disposal costs. The initiative is managed by Facilities Services and coordinated by the Center for Energy and Sustainability.
Key Objectives
Accepted Items
At MTSU, plastic bottles, paper, aluminum cans, and cardboard recycling is available for the campus community. Departments also have opportunities to recycle additional materials used in their operations. Beyond campus, we proudly offer aluminum can recycling to the broader Murfreesboro community. Explore below to learn more about our recycling portfolio.
You may notice a garbage truck on campus collecting cardboard. This same truck handles both trash and recycling—on some days it picks up trash, and on other days it collects recyclables.
Campus Recycling
Students, staff, faculty, and visitors can recycle the following items at all buildings:
Campus Departments
Campus departments that use or acquire the following materials as part of their campus operations can recycle them with MTSU Recycles. If you have questions about how to recycle these items contact the Recycling Office at ext. 2822 or submit a recycling request.
Community Recycling
Community members can drop off aluminum cans anytime to our trailer located at 1672 Greenland drive.
Contamination
Did you know that tossing the wrong items into recycling bins can cause the whole batch to be sent to the landfill?
We’re counting on everyone at MTSU to help keep our recycling stream clean. If you’re ever unsure whether something belongs in the bin, don’t guess — give the MTSU Recycling Office a quick call. We’re happy to help!
Additional Resources
Common Recycling Issues on Campus
- Educational signage is available to address common recycling questions. Visit our Informational Flyers and Resources page to access those resources.
Recycling Items from home in Rutherford County
Recycling Requests
To submit a recycling pickup request for campus materials:
Recycling Office Phone: 615-898-2822
Contact Us
Center for Energy and Sustainability
MTSU Box 57 | Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Phone: 615-904-8096
Email: ces@mtsu.edu