Trash

At Marquette there is a concerted effort to divert as much waste as possible from the landfill.  All trash collected goes to the Emerald Park Landfill in Muskego,WI where landfill gas is collected and diverted to an on-site treatment facility for the conversion of this gas to energy that produces electricity. The conversion of landfill gas to energy is an effective means of recycling and reusing this valuable resource. Learn more about the landfill gas-to-energy process at the Advanced Disposal website.

Recycling 

Marquette University participates in single-stream recycling which means that all items that can be recycled are collected in one bin and then sorted at an offsite materials recovery facility (MRF). 

Find out how the sorting process works at the Advanced Disposal website.

Learn more about what can and can't be recycled.  

Food Waste

Marquette University diverts food waste in The Commons Dining Hall. Food waste is collected and Compost Crusader (local, women-owned small business) hauls the food waste to Blue Ribbon Organics where it is turned into rich compost!

Move-Out & Move-In

In 2023 Marquette launched two new programs to address waste that is accumulated during move out. MarKept Move Out collects good condition, unwanted items from student waste streams and donations. Iggy's Market sells those items to students at affordable prices. These two programs work together to create a circular economy of goods within the university and support college affordability.

Electronic, Universal and Special Waste

Electronic waste is defined as electronic products nearing the end of their useful life. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, printers, copiers, cellphones and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.

Disposal: For e-waste accumulated on the Marquette campus only, submit a Facilities work order for pick-up. Marquette properly disposes of electronic waste using a certified third-party hauler.

Universal waste includes:

• Batteries
  • Alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the trash or brought to BatteriesPlus
  • Lithium ion batteries (rechargable batteries, batteries in laptops), must be disposed of properly by Environmental Health and Safety. Please submit a work order.

Disposal of: mercury-containing equipment, lamps, and aerosol cans please folllow Marquette's Universal Waste Management Plan for disposal guidance.

• Toner and ink cartridges
  • Toner and ink cartridges can be brought to the first floor of the Chemistry building.

Surplus 

Marquette University's Purchasing Department values economic, social, and environmental sustainability and puts that into practice through every facet of their operations. The Purchasing Department manages the university's surplus furniture and equipment, making every effort to keep items that are in good, usable condition from going to the landfill. 

If you are a Marquette University staff or faculty member, you may take advantage of the surplus program. Discover what is available at the Purchasing Surplus website.