Blue Bag Program to end as ASU refines recycling strategy

University to reallocate recycling resources

ASU will sunset the Blue Bag Program in the coming weeks and officially discontinue it as part of efforts to enhance the university’s sustainability initiatives. 

Sun Devils may continue using blue bags with these dates in mind: 

• Nov. 3, 2025: Facilities Management will begin removing blue bags after completing requests to have them emptied. 
• Dec. 1, 2025: Remaining blue bags will be collected, the service request form will be removed and the waste directory will be updated. 

If a blue bag near you is not removed by Jan. 1, 2026, please email Facilities Management. 

Making a positive change 

Since its launch in 2014, the Blue Bag Program has helped Sun Devils practice sustainability by keeping hard-to-recycle items out of landfills. Notable program accomplishments over the past decade include: 

• 862 service requests completed annually — approximately 240 labor hours 
• 800 hours of sorting by 400 volunteers 
• Nearly 63,000 pounds of materials were diverted from landfills 

While the program has made a significant impact, changes in the recycling industry now require specific materials — such as snack and candy wrappers — to be shipped out of state for specialized processing, which reduces operational efficiency. Additionally, snack and candy wrappers make up only 0.01% of ASU’s total waste stream but require a disproportionate amount of time and energy to process. 

ASU will redirect these resources to local recycling and waste reduction efforts that deliver greater environmental benefits. 

How to continue recycling 

While the Blue Bag Program is ending, there are still many ways to recycle on campus: 

• Switch to reusable coffee pods, or use a traditional coffee brewer and compost the coffee grounds. 
• Place small toner cartridges in the original packaging and add them to your office’s outgoing mailbox. 
• Use one of the 1,378 filtered water refill stations located across campus. 

Individuals can also drop off batteries and small e-waste with Enterprise Technology Deskside Services staff at the Health Futures Center, room 166, and these locations during regular business hours: 

• Downtown Phoenix campus: University Center, L1-69 
• Tempe campus: University Services Building, 2671 and Engineering Center Annex 
• Polytechnic campus: Quad 1
• West Valley campus: Fletcher Library, LL-024

ASU thanks everyone who contributed to the success of the Blue Bag Program and appreciates the continued support of Sun Devils in advancing the university’s sustainability goals. 

Please email ASU Zero Waste with questions or to learn more about creating workplace sustainability practices.