Catholic University is committed to reducing the amount of waste generated and disposed of on campus.

How do we achieve our target? Do your part! Check out the information below on how to recycle and compost on campus, and read our blog post about how to reduce the amount of waste you create!

Composting in the Pryz and Garvey Hall

At Catholic University, compost food waste and paper and cardboard that states it is compostable in the Pryz and Garvey Hall. Bring your compost to the Pryz Second Floor Lobby every Monday and Thursday morning from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Compost your food waste in Garvey Hall by bringing it to the Scrape Your Plate station.

Composting Tips:

  • All food waste - vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, dairy - is compostable.
  • Only compost paper or cardboard if the item clearly states that it is compostable.
  • Collect your compost in a closed container or sealed bag. Keeping your compost in a refrigerator or freezer will ensure it does not smell or attract pests.
  • Empty your compost twice per week, even if it is not full.
  • If you aren't sure if something is compostable, throw it away. It is better to put it in the trash than to contaminate the compost bin.

Off campus? Check out DC's food waste drop off locations, including one at the Brookland Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. 

Recycling

At Catholic University, recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal in the blue bins. Catholic University uses single stream recycling, so all recyclables go into the same bin. 

Recycling Tips:

  • Empty and rinse plastic or glass food containers before recycling them.
  • Only clean paper and cardboard are recyclable (no greasy pizza boxes!).
  • If you aren't sure if something is recyclable, throw it away. It is better to put it in the trash than to contaminate the recycling bin.

Off campus? Check out DC's waste sorting toolkit and waste sorting game.

Cardinal Closet

Cardinal Closet is a free thrift store located in Gibbons B17. Open to all students, staff, and faculty, Cardinal Closet has a large collection of casual and business clothing, maternity clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items. Everything is free and donations are encouraged.

Spring 2023: Open Tuesday - Friday from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

Office Supplies

If you have office supplies that you would like to part with, join the sustainability-office-swap@cua.edu Google group. Sign up to receive notifications when others have items to share, and post your items to find them a new home.

If you have any bulk furniture that your department or office would like to donate off campus, contact sustainability@cua.edu for assistance coordinating a donation pick-up.

Common Waste Items

Check out our tips below for disposing of common waste items responsibly.

  • Food

    Cardinal Cupboard, located on the first floor of the Pryz, is a food pantry available to all students, faculty, and staff. If you have any non-perishable items to donate, bring them directly to Cardinal Cupboard.

    Check out our Sustainability Guide for additional information on places to donate food.

  • Electronics

    Electronics should not be placed in the trash. DC hosts electronics recycling events throughout the year; check out their website for the next event in the Brookland neighborhood.

    If you need to discard electronics at another time, you can bring them to the Benning Road Transfer Station on Saturday mornings or check manufacturer and retailer mailback programs.

  • Ink and Toner Cartridges

    Ink and toner cartridges should not be placed in the trash. Many manufacturers and retailers have ink and toner recycling programs. Ricoh offers recycling for their products and Staples offers recycling services for electronics, batteries, and ink and toner cartridges. Feel free to contact sustainability@cua.edu with any questions on how to recycle these cartridges.