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.
Featured Resources
New Resources
Chuck it for Charity: FSU's student move out collection initiative
- Florida State University (FL)
Each spring over 6,000 Florida State University on-campus residents move out of the residence halls, leaving behind tons of unwanted "stuff" that is usually sent directly to the landfill ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Garnet & Gold Goes Green: FSU's game day recycling program
- Florida State University (FL)
Garnet & Gold Goes Green (G4) provides Florida State University fans the opportunity to recycle their beverage containers with the intention of decreasing the large amounts of waste and litter ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Campus Wide Waste Audit
- Furman University (SC)
Diving into the Depths of the Desolate Dumpster 2.0: A Campus-Wide Waste Audit of Furman University
Erika Baldwin, Will Stallings, and Weston Dripps
Furman University, Earth and Environmental Sciences ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Let's talk about poop!
- Furman University (SC)
This study examines the effects of the installation of pet waste bag dispenser stations on the compliance of dog owners to pick up after their pets. Our study site is ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Migrating Paper Processes into SharePoint
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Our college uses SharePoint as a web platform for migrating manual paper-heavy planning processes online. Two primary examples of processes we have moved online in this way are Grant Applications ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Organic Recycling - It's Here!
- NatureWorks (GA)
Noting the growing success of food waste diversion and composting, NatureWorks LLC(www.natureworksllc.com) and one of its key partners (R3/Bunzl Distribution) will showcase commercial success of organic ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Drink Local, Drink Tap: Turning On a New Campus Water Culture
- Pacific University (OR)
The privatized water industry has subtly grown during the past few decades, establishing itself in American culture as the sole source for clean drinking water. Most consumers are unaware that ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Food Rescue
- Pacific University (OR)
Food Rescue is a student-initiated food donation program that works to diminish food waste and redistribute leftovers from Pacific University campus events and dining hall meals to local community shelters ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
University of California, Berkeley Recycling and Waste Receptacles Redesign
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The University of California at Berkeley (UCB) adopted the goal of diverting 50% of its waste by June 30, 2008. This goal was met primarily because a large quantity of ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Ralphies Green Stampede: Innovative Zero Waste Events at CU-Boulder
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
In 2008, Folsom Field became the first major sports stadium in the nation, professional or collegiate, to collect all materials in recycling or compost containers, eliminate trash cans and transform ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A New Paradigm for Campus Electronic Waste
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
State institutions of higher learning are saddled with insufficient budgets, antiquated laws and policies that make it difficult to deal effectively and equitably with the problem of electronic waste. It ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable E-Waste Education and Research
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
This presentation provides a review of two recent electronic waste (e-waste) education and research initiatives as part of a Sustainable Electronics Initiative at the University of Illinois Sustainable Technology Center ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
RecycleMania: The Race to Zero Campus Waste
- University of Oregon (OR)
Join a dynamic panel of representatives from campuses large and small, public and private, who will discuss how they have used this EPA-sponsored, Keep America Beautiful-administered tournament to promote recycling ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Conducting a Waste Audit at a Large Urban Campus
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
In spring 2010, a comprehensive waste audit was conducted at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh by the students in Environmental Studies 390: Topics of Campus Sustainability. In order to fully ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
WMU EcoMug: An Initiative to Reduce Disposable Cups on Campus
- Western Michigan University (MI)
Western Michigan University spends over $32,000 annually on foam cups, paper cups, and plastics lids. There are additional "upstream" environmental and energy costs associated with manufacturing these products and ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Educational Energy Audit - Combining Student Learning & Energy Efficiency
- Wilson College (PA)
In October, 2009, The Loyalton Group, energy consulting partner for Sodexo and their clients, conducted an energy audit at Wilson College, in Chambersburg, PA. Beyond the regular energy audit and ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
600,000 Plastic Bags/year, No More: Leveraging the Classroom Experience for On-Campus Sustainability Initiatives.
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
The students of ENVS 3001 and Dining Services staff worked together to implement a shift from single-use plastic bags to reusable nylon at Grab-n-Go venues and convenience stores on campus ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Food Waste Tracking: The First Step Toward Food Waste Minimization
- LeanPath, Inc. (OR)
Food waste minimization is a key element of any portfolio of campus dining sustainability strategies. Food waste tracking is the first step toward minimization. This presentation will feature college and ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Talking Trash: Getting the Best Data Out of Your Waste and Recycling
- Meredith College (NC)
- Pacific University (OR)
Join this presentation to learn about three different efforts to collect baseline data on recycling and waste on campus. An overview of a community-based social marketing campaign (CBSM) to "green ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Assessing Solid Waste Management at the University of Northern British Columbia: A Major Step in Becoming Canada's Green University
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
In the summer of 2007 the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) trademarked itself as 'Canada's Green University,' launching a sustainability initiative encompassing all aspects of its teaching, research ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Growing Relationships Through Composting: A University Case Study
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The University of Washington is a public, four-year institution with a 40,000 student enrollment. The campus population also includes more than 30,000 staff. In an effort to reduce ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Appalachian State University- Working Toward a Zero Waste Event
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The purpose of this presentation is to outline the zero waste event for home town football games. ASU Brewer Kidd stadium will often have overcapacity at home games. This presentation ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Promoting Recycling at a Big Ten University: Garnering and Understanding Stakeholder Input for a Communication Strategy at Michigan State University
- Michigan State University (MI)
In 2006, Michigan State University (MSU) began systematically studying methods to improve campus sustainability efforts. The MSU Vice President for Finance and Operations launched the Boldness by Design Environmental Stewardship ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Beyond Recycling: Oureach and Education Across Campus
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
At Eastern Connecticut State University, we are committed to developing a culture of awareness with regard to recycling and environmental ethics. The Center for Sustainable Energy Studies works closely with ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Effects of Education and Program Improvements on Garbage Disposal and Recycling Quantities
- Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC)
The project involved year long monitoring of dumpsters and recycling stations on the Lenoir-Rhyne College campus. A scale was drawn on each of these stations denoting measurements of height which ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Recycling During Student Move In and Move Out
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
Student Move In and Move Out are both times of heavy waste generation on most college campuses. The University of Colorado at Boulder has developed a means to divert tons ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Trayless Dining: The Triple Bottom Line Business and Social Case
- Aramark (PA)
Trayless dining is recognized as a significant opportunity to introduce sustainability into the dining stream. It represents a true triple bottom line initiative with environmental, economic, and social benefits. Yet ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Beyond Disposables: A Reusable To-go System
- Eckerd College (FL)
Each year millions of clamshell disposable containers end up in the landfill. This issue can be solved by implementing a reusable to-go system. The reusable to-go system consists of a ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Zero Waste Programs on Campus: How Low Can We Go?
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
A renewed emphasis on waste prevention is signaling an exciting shift among a growing number of college campuses, off-campus communities, and leading corporations internationally. Zero waste is no longer an ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Turning Trash into Transportation: Establishing and Growing a (Recycled) Campus-bicycle Sharing Program
- University of Kentucky (KY)
At the University of Kentucky we have developed a highly successful and innovative bicycle sharing program called the Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library (www.wildcatwheels.org). The mission of our program ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How a Large Institution of Higher Learning can Impact Regional Growth on Sustainability Practices: Commercial Composting in the Pacific Northwest
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The University of Washington is a public, four-year institution with a 40,000 student enrollment. The campus population also includes more than 30,000 faculty and staff. The Department of ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Power of Partnership: Redefining Closed-Loop Recycling
- Green Mountain College (VT)
Green Mountain College reaffirmed its commitment to being a leader in sustainability by joining Casella Waste Systems Power of Three™ closed loop recycling initiative. The Power of Three is Casella ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Collaborative Biodiesel Project
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The Collaborative Biodiesel Project is a student-led initiative at Appalachian State University and is partially funded by the EPA P3 Award: Student Design Competition for Sustainability. The purpose of the ...
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Survey: Fans More Likely To Attend Games, Buy Hot Dogs if Stadium Composts Trash
Our latest national survey gives universities a new reason to go green: It’s smart business. Nearly a third of Americans said they’d be more likely to attend a ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Guest Blog: The Road to a Campus Plastic Bag Ban
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
During the 2012-2013 school year we passed a Student Union Senate resolution calling for an end to the distribution of plastic bags in campus stores. The year ended with little ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Interview Series: Herb Sharpe, Corporate Director of Education and Health Care Solutions at Waste Management
- Waste Management (TX)
Judy Walton, AASHE's Chief Publications Officer, recently interviewed Herb Sharpe, Corporate Director of Education and Health Care Solutions at Waste Management, an AASHE Business Leader Member. Herb is responsible ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Talking Trash for America Recycles Day
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
The purpose of America Recycles Day is to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and waste reduction in conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 34 percent ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Student Diary Series: From 'Compost Lady' to Compost Campus
- Lehigh University (PA)
In my last entry, I wrote about my preliminary composting research at Lehigh University as a first-year student. I am now a junior and compost research has remained an important ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Earning Green By Going Green: A Case Study of the Waste Stream at LIU Post
- LIU Post (NY)
Trash is considered something holding no value. It is something that is worthless or meaningless. Contrary to that definition, trash often always holds some value. At LIU Post, we throw ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Greening the Campus: Converting Organic Waste to Energy
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
This project explores the potential waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies based on current conditions at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (e.g., waste resource availability) by proposing the following three feasible WtE ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
STARS Facts and Best Practices: Waste Reduction and Diversion
- AASHE (PA)
Last month, STARS Participants joined the ranks of hundreds of U.S. and Canadian institutions to participate in Recyclemania, a friendly competition to see who can reduce, reuse, and recycle ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Natural Resources for the Public Good: A Student Campaign to End the Sale of Plastic Water Bottles and Fight Water Privatization at the University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Student campaigns to end the sale of plastic water bottles have grown in popularity in the United States over the past five years. However, most campaigns rely on information dissemination ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Starting from Scratch: Greening Your Game Day
- AASHE (PA)
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
Supported by AASHE, Keep America Beautiful, and the College and University Recycling Coalition, this toolkit provides a guide for institutions of higher education across the country to implement or improve ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
UCLA Campus Recycling Action Research Team
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
The UCLA Action Research Teams (ART) program gives students the opportunity to form research teams of 5-7 students that tackle issues of campus sustainability such as energy efficiency, transportation, waste ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Recycling after consumption: A Theory of Planned Behavior approach
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Research is needed to understand consumers' recycling behaviors to potentially increase the recovery rate of recyclable materials. Drawing from the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985), we sought to understand ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Signaling Change: Studying the effect of price signals on disposable hot beverage cup consumption
- Tufts University (MA)
Every year, American food service businesses give away over 52 billion disposable paper coffee cups. Interestingly enough, the monetary and environmental costs of the production, purchase, and disposal of these ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Food and Fuel: Biogas Potential at Broward Dining Hall
- University of Florida (FL)
Biogas, a sustainable natural gas equivalent, can be produced from food waste using anaerobic digestion. Large amounts of food waste are produced at campus dining halls. The goals of the ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Big News on Campus
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
- Clemson University (SC)
- Yale University (CT)
Provides information on the environmental practices of several colleges in the U.S. Benefits of the Yale Sustainable Food Project for local farmers; Condition of living at the dormitories in ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Making a large-scale campus rummage sale happen in 17 days!
- University of Missouri (MO)
Since 2007, MU has been perfecting a process for reducing residence hall waste at the end of the school year move out. Items collected are organized for a rummage sale ...
- Posted June 23, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Biogas systems with anaerobic digestion for sustainability education and and research renewable energy production
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Biogas program consists of three anaerobic digestion facilities that divert organic wastes from landfills, destroy methane gas, generate electrical and thermal energy, and produce quality ...
- Posted June 19, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
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.