Writing Instruments

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a TerraCycle box for my area? 

TerraCycle is not currently providing new boxes. You can repurpose an existing box for your area to use for collection.

What types of writing instruments can be placed in the TerraCycle box? 

Clicker pens, pens with caps, pen refills, mechanical pencils, highlighters, permanent markers and wet or dry-erase markers can all be recycled in the TerraCycle box.  Brand and color do not matter.  Please do not place correction fluid, such as White-Out, or correction tape, crayons, colored pencils or wooden #2 pencils in the box.

Can I recycle writing instruments from home, another business, school or non-UNMC or Nebraska Medicine locations? 

You can not bring those writing instruments to our campus, as we have to pay to recycle them.  Other entities can purchase their own TerraCycle box to recycle those items. Learn more about TerraCycle boses.

Once the box is full, what should the department do? 

When a box is full of defunct writing instruments, the department representative should empty the contents of the collection box into another container and campus mail that box to: LiveGreen Zip: 7100.  Please email the sustainability team so we know it is on the way. 

Please DO NOT ship the actual TerraCycle box. This box is meant to stay in the department and be reused for collection.

What happened to the pre-paid shipping labels? 

This portion of the program has changed. Instead, writing instruments are sent in a larger container which LiveGreen is coordinating.

Where should a department place the TerraCycle box?

It is up to the department where it would like to place the box. Many place it in a central location, where it’s easy to find.

How does a department know if someone has already ordered a TerraCycle box for that respective department or work area?

Due to logistical challenges associated with this volunteer-coordinated program, LiveGreen is not maintaining a list of the departments that request a bin. In light of this, please ask other employees if a box has already been ordered before placing a request.

Can non-42nd and Dewey campus locations collect items for recycling?

Yes, external sites can participate, as the box can be delivered to the department/site via interoffice mail.

What happens to the collected writing instruments once they are sent to TerraCycle?

TerraCycle will recycle the items and turn them into other fun and innovative products.

Learn more about TerraCycle boxes.

I have a TerraCycle box, but no longer want it.  Is it recyclable?

Yes, however we are not receiving new boxes from TerraCycle so we would prefer to use that box elsewhere on campus.  Please email the sustainability team to arrange for your box to be picked up.

If you have additional questions regarding TerraCycle not answered above, please email the sustainability team.