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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Earth Week at Universidad de Monterrey
- Universidad de Monterrey
During Earth Week at UDEM, students and staff have the change to participate in different workshops, keynotes and activities that promote the three main topics for this year's Earth Week …
- Posted May 8, 2018
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Northwestern Promotes Recycling during Earth Month
- Northwestern University (IL)
Northwestern University celebrates Earth Month throughout April. One of the highlights of the month is Mount Trashmore, and event that calls attention to the amount of waste generated on campus …
- Posted May 8, 2018
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Composting for a Greener Campus: the Texas State University Bobcat Blend program
- Texas State University, San Marcos (TX)
Bobcat Blend is a faculty managed, student-run and grant-supported research and teaching-oriented waste management campus composting program at Texas State University. The goals of the organization are to teach students, …
- Posted May 2, 2018
- Case Studies
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Trash Fashion Show 2018
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State and community partners put on a Trash Fashion Show in the new university/Community HOW space. The designers made clothing from items that would have otherwise been discarded, such …
- Posted May 1, 2018
- Photographs
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Progress toward 90% waste diversion goal
- Olds College (AB)
- Bow Valley College (AB)
Bow Valley College has come a long way in terms of waste management in the past four years. In 2014, our waste diversion rate was 19%. In 2018, our diversion …
- Posted April 25, 2018
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Waste Reduction Twister at Elon University
- Elon University (NC)
Elon student and Eco-Rep Tori Ippolito created a twister game which focuses on waste reduction. The spinner indicates different types of materials found on campus, with a guide to indicate …
- Posted April 25, 2018
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Zero Waste Pilot at Earth Day Conference, Madison, WI
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
UW-Madison Office of Sustainability (OS) interns Anna Weinberg, Ally Burg, and Noemy Serrano monitor a zero waste station during the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies Earth Day Conference at Monona …
- Posted April 25, 2018
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Clothing Swap at UW-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Office of Sustainability intern Katie Piel and Outreach Director for the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) Sustainability Committee, Madalynne Bridge, hold piles of clothing donated for the ASM Clothing Swap, …
- Posted April 25, 2018
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Earth Week activities
- Dominican University (IL)
During Earth Week we provided various options to participate, from eating meatless meals, enjoying earth yoga, to taking a tour of campus highlighting the green spaces. We tried vegetarian snacks …
- Posted April 24, 2018
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AUC EarthWeek 2018: “Collaborate, Create, Cultivate": Growing Green Culture at AUC”
- American University in Cairo (Cairo)
All Week: - RISE Greenhouse and Aquaponics Display - Description: Have you always wanted to have a green thumb? Come check out what AUC’s brilliant growers at RISE have been …
- Posted April 24, 2018
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NMSU Earth Day volunteers from the College of Business
- New Mexico State University (NM)
Business Council students volunteered to help out at our Southern New Mexico Earth Day Festival and we couldn't have done it without them. Thank you NMSU students!
- Posted April 24, 2018
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Creighton University Leads Pledge to End Plastic Pollution
- Creighton University (NE)
During its Earth Week celebrations, Creighton University's Office of Sustainability Programs led a pledge to end plastic pollution campaign. Earth Day Network's global theme for Earth Day 2018 is End …
- Posted April 23, 2018
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University of Vermont Eco-Reps "Curb Your Consumerism" Campaign
- University of Vermont (VT)
While the consumption of goods and services is a crucial component of modern economic systems, the culture of consumerism contributes to waste, resource depletion, pollution, and social and economic inequities. …
- Posted April 23, 2018
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Water Cage at Northeastern University
- Northeastern University (MA)
Water cage demonstration created on campus quad. Filled large cage with water bottles and attached facts and data about plastic bottle usage around the outside of the cage. Very effective, …
- Posted April 23, 2018
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Pass Up Plastic Challenge
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, the Sustainability Institute at the University of New Hampshire coordinated a Pass up Plastic Challenge. Students, faculty, and staff collected single-use plastics …
- Posted April 23, 2018
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UC Merced Engineers for a Sustainable World
- University of California, Merced (CA)
UC Merced's Engineer's for a Sustainable World talk to students, staff and faculty about current projects including aquaponics.
- Posted April 23, 2018
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Food Wasting Attitudes and Behaviours Among Residence Meal Hall Users at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Dalhousie University (NS)
Dalhousie University has undertaken multiple initiatives in recent years to produce less food waste within their dining halls. This study aimed to develop a relation between the attitudes and behaviours …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Innovative Solutions for Reducing Waste at Skidmore College: Analyzing the Carbon Footprint & Economics of Paper Towels vs. Electric Hand Dryers
- Skidmore College (NY)
The purpose of this capstone project is to create the most culminating analysis of all of the available hand drying methodologies, and utilize this research in order to integrate the …
- Posted April 6, 2018
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Mission Zero Waste with Waste Management
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Central Office (NJ)
- AASHE (MA)
- Waste Management (TX)
In this free, one-hour webinar, you will hear about Waste Management's Think Green ® Campus Model, a comprehensive framework to help universities improve diversion, drive toward zero waste, and make …
- Posted April 3, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Solid waste generation and characterization in the University of Lagos for a sustainable waste management
- University of Lagos
Waste characterization is the first step to any successful waste management policy. In this paper, the characterization and the trend of solid waste generated in University of Lagos, Nigeria was …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Sustainability and Civic Engagement: A Communications Engagement and Education Plan
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
Across the United States primarily on a town or city basis, the increasing public awareness and understanding of the detrimental impact of human activity on the environment is fostering the …
- Posted March 22, 2018
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Putting “Reduce” to Work: Getting Rid of Plastic Bags on Michigan State University’s Campus
- Michigan State University (MI)
In order to mitigate the effects of plastic bags on the environment and to fulfill Michigan State University's commitment to sustainability, we pioneered a two part initiative to reduce both …
- Posted March 19, 2018
- Case Studies
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AASHE Award Winner Series - Composting, Recycling and Turning Trash Into Cash
- Austin Community College (TX)
- University of San Diego (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Andy Kim, Director, Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability and Darien Clary, Sustainability Coordinator, Austin Community College District (Winner of AASHE 2014 Best Case Study from an Associate College with 5,000+ Full-Time …
- Posted March 12, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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University of Vermont Eco-Reps Composting Campaign
- University of Vermont (VT)
At the University of Vermont (UVM), the Recycling and Waste Management program and the UVM Eco-Reps have identified a lack of understanding of composting within on-campus residential halls. Although composting …
- Posted March 5, 2018
- Case Studies
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University of Vermont Eco-Reps "EcoWare, Everywhere!" Campaign
- University of Vermont (VT)
The University of Vermont (UVM) implemented reusable EcoWare to-go containers in retail locations 2011. Data collected from the past 4 years has shown that EcoWare uses became concentrated in residential …
- Posted March 5, 2018
- Case Studies
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Engaging Chemeketa Community College through Collaborative Community Art with an International Focus
- Chemeketa Community College (OR)
For the 2017 Earth Day event, Chemeketa created a collaborative Earth Day Art Installation based on the story of Sadako Sasaki and the 1,000 paper cranes. Sustainability, the Associated Students …
- Posted March 5, 2018
- Case Studies
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Recovery and Reuse; On-Campus and Off
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
Many of the challenges sustainability seeks to address can be challenging to visualize. Moreover, the scale of these challenges can stifle the motivation to act before one even begins. These …
- Posted March 5, 2018
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Gendered citizenship and the individualization of environmental responsibility: evaluating a campus common reading program
- Washington State University, Pullman (WA)
Campus common reading programs are intended to stimulate critical thinking and dialogue across disciplines yet scarce evidence exists to evaluate the success of such programs. We assess the extent to …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2018
- Publications
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Point Loma Nazarene University's Food Recovery Network
- Point Loma Nazarene University (CA)
Point Loma Nazarene University’s Food Recovery Network was started by a student as a means of reducing food waste on campus as well as supporting the local community. With the …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2018
- Case Studies
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Creating a Healthy, Environmentally Responsible and Socially Just Campus Food System
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
Description In 2016, a year-long study release by the California State University (CSU) found that 24 percent of our system's 460,000 students were food insecure. To address this issue, and …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2018
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In-Vessel Composting Trials – Ingeo Compostable Products
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Arizona State University's University Sustainability Practices office partnered with a variety of ASU departments, NatureWorks, LLC, the City of Tempe, and DTEnvironmental to test the compostability of compostable serviceware using …
- Posted Feb. 15, 2018
- Case Studies
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Corrugated Pallets: How Campus Procurement Policies Can Drive National Change to Reduce Emissions, Advance Zero Waste, and Protect Employees
- Change the Pallet (OR)
Change the Pallet is a national non-profit dedicated to reducing carbon emissions massively through education and advocacy with respect to the tremendous environmental benefits of corrugated paper pallets vs. traditional …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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16 Billion Trees Fell Last Year, Is Anyone Listening?
- TreeZero Paper (GA)
Poster will detail impacts and risks of deforestation; opportunities for reducing paper use and example of easy solution to add to your sustainability efforts to reduce impact on deforestation, climate …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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What Paper Manufacturers Know About Environmental Impact that Customers Aren't Asking About
- Kimberly-Clark Professional (GA)
In this session we will examine some key environmental considerations that are often overlooked during procurement decisions. Specifically, we will focus on the manufacturing and waste footprint created by consumable …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Fix It Friday
- Illinois State University (IL)
Fix It Friday is a program at Illinois State University in which students majoring in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program set up sewing machines in various locations around campus …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Consumer Recycling Attitudes and Behaviors
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
Keep America Beautiful conducted a nationwide survey in October 2016 to study people's recycling attitudes and behaviors. The goal of the project was to better understand how to overcome barriers …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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CURC Campus Recycling & Materials Management Survey
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
The College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC) is conducting a national survey to document recycling and sustainable materials management (SMM) trends and practices at North American colleges and universities. The …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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CURC Campus Recycling Workshop
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
Join recycling and sustainability colleagues from campuses across the US and Canada for the annual CURC Workshop. This year's workshop will be hosted by the University of the Incarnate Word …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) Membership Meeting
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Members and non-members alike are invited to join this annual CURC membership meeting. Board members will provide organizational updates, discuss current projects and share opportunities to get involved. The meeting …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Diversion Drama: A Waste Study in Residence Halls
- Skidmore College (NY)
This spring the Skidmore Sustainability Office launched a waste study for four residence halls, which house a fourth of the on-campus student population. Preliminary waste assessments indicated that 50-60% of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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RightCycle: Comprehensive Recycling System at Arizona State University
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Although many products are potentially eligible for recycling, a countless number of recyclable products is being thrown away in trash bins in which ends up in landfills. There are abundant …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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The Beginnings of Zero Waste - Approaches and challenges to new waste diversion campaigns and initiatives.
- Harvey Mudd College (CA)
While zero waste and broader waste reduction initiatives are common in institutions of higher education, there are substantial challenges to launching those initiatives. As many sustainability professionals can attest, timing, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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A Year of Devotion, Thought and Photographs: A Recycling Blog
- Brigham Young University (UT)
This poster seeks to engage attendees in the whys of recycling, the motivations behind sustainability efforts, and the internal and external results of a devotion to stewardship. Utilizing posts on …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Let's Talk Trash and Recycling: How to Build a Comprehensive View of Campus Waste Management and Diversion Efforts
- Lehigh University (PA)
Developing a comprehensive waste management plan, policy, and data tracking system can be a daunting, yet rewarding task for an institution. These materials not only provide information on existing campus …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Implementation of Pre-Consumer Composting in University Student Union: Obstacles and Lessons learned
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
As an institution with over 25,000 students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) produces an overwhelming amount of waste. UNL has successfully achieved a campus-wide diversion rate of nearly 50 percent, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Infrastructure, Audits, and Education: A Three-Pronged Approach to Waste Reduction
- Luther College (IA)
This poster will demonstrate how Luther College is working to achieve its zero waste goals by investing in infrastructure, conducting waste audits and creatively educating the campus community. Under the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Stop Recycling? Stop Composting? The hard choices when doing the right thing for People, Profit, and Planet.
- Cornell University (NY)
Engaged students, faculty, and staff are eager to recycle and compost all they can! But what happens after material goes in the recycle or compost bin? Collaboration with campus partners, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Learnings in Advancing Sustainability, Measuring Progress, and Keeping Campus Clean with Smart Waste & Recycling Solutions
- BigBelly Solar (MA)
Now more than ever, colleges and universities are placing emphasis on creating a comprehensive campus-wide approach to increase commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and the environment. This commitment is embodied by …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Transforming a Campus for Zero Waste by Focusing on People
- Aquinas College (MI)
Change is difficult; changing people's habits and shifting organizational priorities is an even bigger challenge. Yet, we are all faced with a global imperative to take action to protect our …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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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.