Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get an individual blue recycling bin for my desk station?

A: Contact Work Control (ext. 7344) to get a personal blue bin. Staff can include just about anything in these blue bins - as well as paper clips, rubber bands, staples and plastic tabs (however, please return these - if possible - to your office supply area). A list of items that can go into the personal blue bin (as well as a short list of items that aren’t acceptable) is available through the blue bin area of this site.

Q: What should I do if the bins at our building's recycling center are overflowing?

A: Contact Work Control (ext. 7344) to arrange a pickup.

Q: I have recently received a new computer monitor and it was packed with Styrofoam blocks—can I recycle these blocks?

A: No. NREL doesn't recycle Styrofoam or packing peanuts. UPS Stores accept and reuse packing peanuts.

Q: I am in the process of moving to a different office and have a lot of reports, manuals, and other assorted books that I would like to get rid of—what should I do?

A: Before you begin your move or spring cleaning, ensure that you've evaluated the materials you're recycling. Please return any major items (such as books, software manuals, etc.) to the appropriate owner, and ensure that any records you're throwing away no longer need to be retained. If you need clarification on disposal of sensitive materials—or how long certain records need to be kept—please contact Records Management (ext. 4213). When you're ready to clean, contact Work Control (ext. 7344) and request that recycle bins be delivered temporarily to your location—bins for either nonsensitive or sensitive materials may be requested. When you have completed your clean-up task, contact Work Control to pick up the bins.

Q: Can I recycle paper-ream wrappers?

A: Yes! While the wax coating had prevented these wrappers from being recycled in the past, improved processes have made them acceptable now.

Q: What do I do with my old phone book?

A:Phone books may be recycled in the blue bins at the recycle stations.