Zero Waste by 2030

The initial pilot of 14 buildings began in April of 2021. The pilot resulted in dramatic increases in diversion rate across all of the participating buildings (see sample chart below). 

 

 

After a very successful initial pilot, which was then expanded to 26 buildings, the Office of Sustainability will be systematically rolling out in the Zero Waste Building Systems Transition across campus.

 

Expanded Services of the Zero Waste Building System

• Use of centralized waste and recycling bins and (optional) desk-side self-service. Daily service to labs, kitchens, conference rooms, and common spaces has continued and will not change. 
• Switch to single-stream recycling (combining paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, and glass)
• Collection of flattened corrugated cardboard in or next to centralized waste collection stations
• Compost collection in break rooms and kitchens
• Paper towels to be collected from restrooms as compostables
• Custodial removal of all recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste from centralized waste collection stations in buildings daily five times a week or as assigned

How to Participate

1. Educate yourself on the new system: ZERO WASTE PILOT WASTE SORTING GUIDELINES
   • Not all single-stream recycling programs accept the same items.
   • Sign up for a waste sorting training.
   • Watch the Zero Waste Building Training Video (16 minutes).
   • View the Sustainability Waste Sorting Training Module, including waste sorting game (6 minutes).
2. Sort your waste using the centralized bins.
   • If in doubt, find out!
   • We will be auditing the waste bins to check on contamination levels and providing feedback to buildings.
3. Use reusable coffee cups, water bottles and utensils. BYO!
   • Compostable alternatives are great in a pinch, but are not better than reusables.

For more information, check out the waste initiatives or contact the Office of Sustainability.