The swap shop is a reuse centre that receives surplus, obsolete or unwanted items from University departments for free distribution. Find out more about the Swap Shop.

There are several locations at the University for battery recycling. Look for the beige, dome-topped containers or orange bin.

If you have large, irregular batteries or a large amount, please contact Environmental Protection Services at 416-946-3473.

Yes, we accept all laser and inkjet cartridges. Departments can call the Recycling Department at 416-946-5711 for a pickup. They may also be dropped off during regular operating hours at the Swap Shop located at 487 Spadina Crescent. Please do not send cartridges through our mail services. 

Keep and check your cartridge’s original packaging as many come with return labels that allow you to mail empties back to the manufacturer.

All types of polystyrene — AKA Styrofoam — can be recycled. If you’re unsure whether your item is made of Styrofoam, look for a recycling symbol with a triangle made from arrows and a six in the middle and PS on the bottom. 

Packaging used in shipping items and for computers and equipment should be placed in clear bags and placed in your garbage and recycling area for collection by caretaking staff. They will take it to a centralized location for pick up by the recycling staff. 

Any soft foam packaging labeled other than “6” should not be mixed with polystyrene. This can be bagged separately and recycled as plastic. Please call us at 416-946-5711 for a pickup. Don’t recycle packaging that has held potentially dangerous chemicals. 

Polystyrene food packaging e.g., cups and clamshells — both clear plastic and opaque can be recycled with other recyclable food and beverage containers. Please empty any food from containers into green bins or garbage if green bins are unavailable. 

Most cafeterias on campus are set up with green bins for organic waste. Please do not put garbage, polystyrene or other forms of plastic into the green bin. Cafeterias in the following buildings have a green bins: 

• Bahen Centre for Information Technology 
• Gerstein Library 
• Innis College 
• Koffler Multi-Faith Centre 
• Koffler Student Centre 

• Medical Sciences 
• Ontario Institute for Studies in Education 
• Robarts Library 
• Rotman School of Management 
• Sidney Smith 

• Sylvester’s Cafe at Graduate Student Union 
• Woodsworth College

We cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any document recycled through our program. To ensure confidentiality, you should shred the document yourself or hire a shredding company.

Our programs are intended to only deal with the waste that is produced on campus. The City of Toronto has many programs in place to handle waste you produce at home. Find out more on the City’s website.