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Proper Trash Disposal

Hokies, we need your help!

Students can help keep Virginia Tech’s beautiful campus a clean and welcoming environment for all by correctly disposing of trash.

Do’s and Don’ts of trash disposal at Virginia Tech

Do NOT leave trash on the ground.

You may be charged for clean-up/disposal of improperly disposed trash that is traced back to you. Your trash also attracts vermin and pests. Just because someone else leaves their trash on the ground, you should not follow their example.

Do throw the following items in the trash (NOT the recycling).

  • Plastic Food Containers
  • Plastics #3-#7
  • Tin Foil
  • Plastic Bags and straws

Do dispose of the above items in a dumpster or trash compactor marked Landfill/Trash only located around campus.

There are several trash compactors located on campus near residence halls. There is one located between Pritchard and Hoge and one on the drive behind Ambler Johnston. These compactors are available for all students to use. If you are not comfortable using the compactor, or one is not convenient to your residence hall, you should place your trash in a dumpster marked for Trash/Landfill.

Do learn to use the trash compactor.

Keep reading or access the video linked here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the compactor.

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How to use the compactor.

  • To use the trash compactor, open the door using the lever, place your trash inside, and close the door. The unit starts automatically after a few warning beeps. Hold the black button down for up to 30 seconds if it does not.
  • If the compactor is not full, save a cycle and help out another Hokie by looking to see if anyone is heading to the compactor with their trash before closing the door.
  • If the unit does not start automatically, check:
    • The bottom red indicator light should not be lit. It rarely happens, but that means the compactor is full.
    • The units have keys that are secured and should be always turned to the ON position. If the unit doesn't seem to be responding, check that the key is turned to the right side.
    • The emergency stop button, the large red and white button - should be pulled out.
  • If the three solutions fail and it's on the weekend or evening/night time, you can notify a student leader who will then notify maintenance.

Place a work order with Student Affairs Facilities and Operations if the three solutions fail. If it is the weekend or evening/night, alert a Student Leader who will notify maintenance.

You can contact Student Affairs Facilities and Operations at 540-231-1111.