University Recycling
Recycling at Lenoir-Rhyne is a priority for students, faculty and staff.
On average, each person in the U.S. generates nearly six pounds of waste per day. Diverting recyclable and compostable materials from the landfill starts with you. It saves both money and environmental resources.
The goal of the university is to continue to grow the amount of recyclable materials that is collected and recycled. Campus recycling is overseen by the facilities department and supported by the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Recycled materials are collected by the City of Hickory, distributed and recycled into new products.
Recyclable Materials
Lenoir-Rhyne offers single-stream recycling throughout campus. Recycled materials should be clean, empty and dry. Get to know our recycling guide for more information on what items can be recycled.
- Plastic: Bottles, tubs and jugs (no styrofoam)
- Metal: Aluminum and steel cans
- Cardboard: Cardboard boxes (break down and flattened)
- Paper: Mixed paper including office paper, direct mail and paper board like cereal boxes.
Reduce Contamination
To reduce contamination, don’t bag your recyclables. All recyclables should be free from food and other contaminants. When in doubt, throw it out.
Reusable Food Containers
Contact Dining Services if you are interested in our reusable container program for to-go foods or to learn more about our sustainability efforts in university dining.
News & Events
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan will visit Lenoir-Rhyne in March 2027 to deliver the inaugural Huffman Lecture on Social Justice, focused on democracy and civic responsibility.
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After immigrating from Korea to Hawaii, Agnes Park crossed a continent to attend Lenoir-Rhyne. She graduated in 1924, and in 2025, her granddaughter traced the journey of one of the first international Bears.
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