Contact UW Recycling at recycle@uw.edu for a metal recycling pickup.  The metal must be consolidated at your building’s loading dock for pickup. We cannot accept any items with inventory tags or purchased with University funds; these items must go through Surplus.

What is acceptable

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Ducts
  • Furnace/boiler parts (if Surplus rejected)
  • Gutters (metal)
  • Metal Sinks, Tubs or Fixtures (if Surplus rejected) (small amounts of plastic,wood, or rubber okay)
  • Non-ferrous metal
  • Stainless Steel

What is not acceptable


Lead recycling

Lead must be separated from any other metals, plastic, wood, or cloth prior to recycling. Do not place any other ferrous or non-ferrous scrap metals in the lead recycling bin.  The following metallic lead materials are accepted by UW Recycling:

  • Lead shot
  • Lead brick
  • Lead pig
  • Lead sheeting
  • Lead solder

What is acceptable

Instructions

For a quick overview of the metallic lead recycling process, please refer to the Packaging for Collection flow chart.

  1. If your lead was used for radiation shielding, you must contact the Radiation Safety Office to receive a clearance sticker.
  2. Large Quantities of lead over 125 lbs must be inspected by the Regulated Materials Office prior to starting the recycling process.
  3. Metallic lead items exceeding 30” x 24” x 18” will not fit into the lead recycling crates.  Please contact UW Recycling so that other accommodations can be made. 
  4. If your lead is oxidized, or if you suspect that it is, please contact UW Recycling so that we can consult the Regulated Materials Office for a risk assessment.
  5. Lead can be dropped off directly in the Metallic Lead Recycling Crates at the Health Sciences Building D-Wing Loading Dock if you have means of transportation.  Please consult the Lead Safety Manual for safe handling and transportation instructions.  For access to the containers, contact UW Recycling prior to drop-off.
  6. If you are unable to safely transport your lead to the metallic lead recycling crates, it can be picked up by UW Recycling after being packaged in pre-approved lead storage containers.  Contact UW Recycling for purchasing options.
  7. Complete disposal procedures can be found on page 30 of the EH&S Lead Safety Program Manual.  Further disposal questions can be directed to UW Recycling at recycle@uw.edu.  Questions about safe lead handling procedures can be directed to EH&S at ehsdept@uw.edu.