Waste
Introduction
Waste reduction mitigates the need to extract virgin materials from the earth, such as trees and metals. Reducing the generation of waste reduces the flow of waste to incinerators and landfills which produce greenhouse gas emissions, can contaminate air and groundwater supplies, and tend to have disproportionate negative impacts on low-income communities. Source reduction and waste diversion also save institutions costly landfill and hauling service fees. In addition, waste reduction campaigns can engage the entire campus community in contributing to a tangible sustainability goal.
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Ohio State University Zero Waste
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Ohio Stadium is the largest stadium in the country to attempt zero waste; diverting 90 percent of materials from the landfill by recycling and composting. Ohio State is leading the …
- Posted March 11, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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All About No Waste (Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass Parody)
- Stanford University (CA)
HELP STANFORD WIN! PLEDGE TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE
http://sustainable.stanford.edu/recyclemania
Vocals: Stephanie Fischer
Backing Vocals: Sonja Johnson-Yu and Akua Odoom
Lyrics: Mr. Eco
Video: Brian Christ Films http://brianchristfilms.com
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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Food Recovery Challenge
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
As part of EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve their sustainable food management practices and report their results. The FRC is part of EPA's Sustainable Materials Management Program …
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Tools
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Food Recovery Hierarchy
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
The Food Recovery Hierarchy prioritizes actions organizations can take to prevent and divert wasted food. Each tier of the Food Recovery Hierarchy focuses on different management strategies for your wasted …
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Outreach Materials
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Zero Waste Campus Toolkit
- University of Oregon (OR)
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
Created by the University of Oregon Zero Waste Program in partnership with College & University Recycling Coalition, this toolkit contains resources regarding the concept of Zero Waste, Zero Waste management …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Publications
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Weight-based Metrics for Zero Waste 2020: Innovations in Automation Critical to Waste Diversion
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
- Creative Microsystems Inc (WA)
In spite of its importance, diverting recovered resources continues to pose fundamental problems for campus managers. In reaction to this problem, UCSC staff have redefined the apparatus of billing and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Composting Inside of a Greenhouse: Exploring the Benefits of an Integrated Composting/Growing Operation.
- Green Mountain Technologies (WA)
Gustavus Adolphus College has created a unique and innovative model for integrating a commercial composting operation into a growing operation. Gustavus has installed an Earth Flow composting system from Green …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Recycling at a Higher Education Institution: Case Study of a Successful Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
- University of Missouri, Kansas City (MO)
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has been offering educational programs in waste management and environmental science for about 25 years and has recently added a sustainability minor to its …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Road to Zero: A Tale of a Stadium Compost Pilot
- Purdue University (IN)
- NatureWorks (GA)
Purdue opened the South End Zone Patio area of Ross-Ade Stadium (capacity 57,236) at the beginning of the 2014 season. The Office of University Sustainability initiated a zero waste pilot …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Nurturing the Sharing Economy on Campus
- University of Louisville (KY)
One of the most exciting developments of recent decades is the growth of the sharing economy. Simply put, the generation of students entering college today are far less interested in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Smart Print: Using the Cloud to Identify Waste & Excess Energy Consumption
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- Pharos Systems International (NY)
The University of Illinois at Chicago has deployed a new, cloud-based tool to deliver a campus-wide view of their printer fleet, their users who print and the documents they print. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Stopping Food Waste at the Source: Source Reduction Strategies for Dining Services
- Aramark (PA)
UC Irvine aims not only to divert waste from landfill through recycling and composting but to minimize waste generated. This objective supports an overall goal of Zero Waste campus-wide by …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Team Waste Reduction: Using Departmental Collaboration to Transform Your Surplus Program
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
What do an 8 foot tall plywood cutout of the 'Lorax', a warehouse full of desks and 100 bicycles all have in common? They are all examples of surplus items …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Challenges and Triumphs at a West African University: Waste, Water, Energy Land, and New Construction
- American University of Nigeria (Adamawa,)
Sustainability has been a high priority at the American University of Nigeria (AUN),for more than three years.The fastest progress has been in waste management; AUN was spending more than $4000/month …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Greening the Game at Collegiate Sports
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Like many universities, the University of Arizona has a strong tradition of athletics at the collegiate level. While sporting events are a key component to any university and it's students …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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New Research About Bin Set-Up to Increase Recycling In Offices
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
This presentation will review a new study commissioned by Keep America Beautiful that shows how the arrangement recycling and trash bins in office settings can lead to a 20% increase …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Transforming Waste Management through Upstream Strategies
- American University (DC)
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Addressing upstream waste is critical to achieving zero waste, yet upstream strategies often prove most challenging or receive the least dedicated resources. This session will explore upstream strategies for dealing …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Murie Zero Waste Pilot Project
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (AK)
Despite challenges presented by its remote location in the circumpolar north - distance from disposal networks, a harsh climate and lack of municipal infrastructure - the University of Alaska Fairbanks …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Do you want your receipt? How simple changes to bookstore operations reduce use of BPA and related chemicals.
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MN)
What if even the simplest transaction at your campus bookstore could be better for employees and our environment? If your campus uses thermal paper receipts in its bookstore, library or …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Embracing the Silos: The Benefits of Disciplinary Purity in Achieving Campus Sustainability in Waste Reduction
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Since the Great Recession, UCSC has not employed a Recycling Coordinator with the interdepartmental authority to administer the campus vision of waste reduction as planned for the campus Zero Waste …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Organizing an E-Waste Festival on Campus
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
E-Waste can be a serious problem for businesses and residents in a community. At Indiana University South Bend, we hold an annual E-Waste Festival that has collected over 1.25 million …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Football Fans and Waste: Can Their Behavior Be Changed?
- University of Missouri (MO)
Waste separation and diversion at sporting events is gaining more popularity because of the large amount of waste generated, the visibility of athletic events, and the goal of reaching Zero …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Foil Lined Wrapper TerraCycling
- University of Virginia (VA)
The University of Virginia has been participating in a TerraCycle Program, more specifically the Energy Bar Wrapper Brigade, since August of last year. In general, TerraCycle programs work to reduce …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Food Recovery Network on college campuses: How to reduce food waste while addressing hunger within the local community
- Carleton College (MN)
Today, 1 in 9 Minnesotans struggles with hunger. In Rice County alone, there are 1.14 million missed meals per year. But despite high rates of food insecurity throughout the US, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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How Does Your Campus Talk Trash?
- Santa Clara University (CA)
Does your campus have waste diversion initiatives that directly engages community members? Waste characterizations attempt to directly teach proper waste diversion through a hands-on event that helps measure current waste …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Annual Waste Audit Approach at Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Niagara College Canada (ON)
The Pollution Prevention students studying in the Post-Graduate Environmental Management and Assessment Program partner with the Office of Sustainability to conduct annual waste audits for Niagara College of Applied Arts …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Fighting Food Waste on College Campuses
- Bon Appétit Management Company
- Food Recovery Network (MD)
- Compass Group (NC)
Food waste is a problem on many fronts. About 40% of the available food supply in the United States is thrown away each year. When we waste food, we waste …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The PAC 12 Road to Zero Waste Competition
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- University of Southern California (CA)
- Green Sports Alliance (OR)
The Green Sports Alliance (GSA) in partnership with the PAC 12 campuses initiated a Road to Zero Waste competition this year. The group developed multiple goals and objectives to encourage …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Show me the money: Discovering revenue from reuse
- Iowa State University (IA)
- Oregon State University (OR)
- University Surplus Property Association (UT)
With so much focus on recycling, many seem to forget the value of reuse and redeploying products. By implementing highest and best use practices, institutions are able to maximize the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Why students should shower with their phones: The call for shorter showers
- University of Rhode Island (RI)
- NORESCO (NC)
Do students know how long they are in the shower? Are students able to mentally time their shower? How can we encourage students to decrease their time in the shower? …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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College & University Recycling Coalition Zero Waste Workshop
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- University of Oregon (OR)
Recycling, zero waste, sustainability coordinators and campus student leaders are welcome to attend the Fall regional workshop presented by the College & University Coalition in partnership with the University of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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OZZI & Reusable To-Go Containers: Reducing Waste & Saving Money
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
- Virginia Tech (VA)
This interactive and engaging session will highlight a new system of collecting reusable to- go containers via a machine called, OZZI. Panelists from diverse higher education institutions, student populations and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Successful Campus Move Out Drives
- Southwestern College (OH)
The Southwestern Green Team has held numerous successful move-out collection drives over the years. We hold one at the end of every semester, collecting clothes, food, appliances, furniture, etc. We …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Community Electronic Recycling Drives
- Southwestern College (OH)
The Southwestern College Green Team has partnered with the City of Winfield and a local church to host three very successful electronic recycling drives in the Winfield community. We have …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Football Program Scores with Waste Reduction.
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
UNC Charlotte is a large urban university that recently added a football program and built a 15,000-seat stadium. Some students saw this as an opportunity to start a major program …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Discovery and Development of a Long Range Compost Plan to Support Zero Waste
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University began an in-house composting program on campus in 1999, and built a state-of-the-art aerated facility to expand composting opportunities, which opened in October 2011. At AASHE 2014 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Aramark Supporting Arizona State University's Commitment to Zero Waste through Operations and Educational Outreach
- Aramark (PA)
Monitoring the waste stream by minimizing our environmental footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. Supporting closed loop waste management processes and committing to innovative practices to reach an absolute …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Engaging Students in Food Waste Reduction - Aramark, UNC-Chapel Hill & Feeding The 5,000
- Aramark (PA)
A review & discussion of the genesis, planning & execution of an innovative food waste reduction event conducted by Aramark at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In partnership with …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Waste Reduction Strategies and Building Community Through Food Donations
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
NAU Campus Dining uses several strategies to reduce food waste; tracking with LeanPath, composting, staff training and cooking techniques. The University received an Award of Recognition from the EPA's Food …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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PepsiCo Recycling: Shaping The Next Generation of Recyclers
- PepsiCo (IL)
The PepsiCo Recycling program has introduced thousands of new recycling solutions to events, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, gas stations, convenience stores and numerous venues across North America. Since the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Bridging the Academic and Operational Divide with WALLE: The Waste Audit Living Lab Experience
- Portland State University (OR)
Like many universities, Portland State University (PSU) is operationally challenged to collect concrete and robust data about the quantity and types of materials that are going through its waste stream. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Fostering Student Leadership for Zero Waste Campuses
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
The focus of this Think Tank will be to progress the vision of Zero Waste campuses. Highlighting the importance of student involvement in these initiatives, we will troubleshoot the perceived …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Developing a Student-Led Move-Out Waste and Yard Sale Program
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
In 2010, after seeing dumpsters overflowing with thousands of usable materials during the previous year's move-out, I founded the UNH Trash 2 Treasure program as a sophomore. As students, we …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Food Recovery, Food Security, & Organics Recycling: Solutions and Best Practices for Environmental and Financial Sustainability
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Food recovery, dining waste reduction, and organics recycling (composting or anaerobic digestion) projects often go hand in hand at institutions of higher education, and all of these efforts require widespread …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Compost Diplomacy and Harvesting the Waste of Nations
- University of Arizona (AZ)
The student-run compost program at the University of Arizona provides a model for how institutions of higher education can engage profoundly with their communities and the social and environmental challenges …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Fast Food Waste Streams and Zero Waste Goals: Opportunities at the Interface of Town and Gown
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Commercial districts near campuses often cater to students, offering fast and inexpensive food. Single use food service items, including containers, napkins, straws, yogurt and boba cups, bags and boxes, clog …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Pick It Up! Trash talk, a garden gnome and the push to eliminate litter at the University of Kentucky.
- University of Kentucky (KY)
Litter is a unique campus challenge with a diverse and unpredictable set of causes and contributing factors. It can also be a black eye for any campus. Pick It Up …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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A New Way to Turn Trash Into Cash - The University of San Diego Electronics Recycling Center
- University of San Diego (CA)
Winner of the 2014 Best Case Study from a Four-Year or Graduate Institution with 10,000 or Fewer Full-Time Students, the University of San Diego Electronics Recycling Center (USD ERC) will …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Implementing a Sustainable Food Recycling/Repurposing Program on a Large Campus in the Southeast (SEC)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
At most universities food service operations abide by rules relating to shelf life. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), the Food Recovery Network, and the Dining Service Company, Aramark, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Developing a Model for a Residential Curbside Organics Collection System in Charleston, SC using the Business Model Canvas
- College of Charleston (SC)
The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a brainstorming and innovation tool used by businesses to map and design many different business models and ideas. While initially developed as a tool …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
OP 18: Waste Minimization & Diversion
- Total waste generated per weighted campus user, performance year
- Percentage reduction in total waste generated per weighted campus user from baseline
- Percentage of materials diverted from the landfill or incinerator
- Waste-related behavior change initiatives
- Waste auditing efforts
- Website URL - waste minimization and diversion efforts
OP 19: Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion
- Percentage of construction and demolition materials diverted from the landfill or incinerator
- Website URL - construction & demolition waste diversion efforts
OP 20: Hazardous Waste Management
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.