Goals, Actions & Accomplishments

Minimize Solid Waste Production

Enhance policies and processes that reduce solid waste generation through reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Goals:

• Commit to waste source reduction, especially at the point of purchase and use.
  (Procurement and Materials Management, Joyce Haney)
• Reuse materials to maximize fiscal, environmental, and energy efficiency.
  (Procurement and Materials Management, Joyce Haney)
• Enhance the food waste composting and biomass resource recovery programs.
  Organic Materials Processing and Education Center (OMPEC) (Central Services, Lloyd Rhoades)

2002-2003 Actions & Accomplishments

1. Requested furniture vendors identify how they will reduce packaging waste, July 2001.
2. Identified products which can be returned to the manufacturer at the end of their useful life for reuse or recycling, July 2001.
3. Completed first Trash to Treasure sale where students donated unwanted material to the United Way for their sale, thus avoiding disposal of items.
4. Toner Cartridge collection in computer labs began Feb 2003 with $.50 per cartridge return going to the Association of Residence Hall Students.
5. Sponsored Rush to Recycling and other recycling programs throughout campus.

2003-2004 Actions & Accomplishments

1. Improved the efficiency Trash to Treasure program sale at Beaver Stadium through program process improvements.
2. Established the student-run Trash to Treasures sales room for year round sales to benefit United Way.
3. Installed outdoor recycling containers on campus.

2004-2005 Actions & Accomplishments

1. Developed processes for the sale of unwanted furniture, doors, etc., prior to building demolition (ex. Holmes, Borland Lab).
2. Established external waste committee to improve waste collection, reduce hauling costs, and enhance campus aesthesitcs.
3. Installed compactors at various locations and reduced the number of dumpsters by 71.

2005-2006 Actions & Accomplishments

1. Achieved record for recycling capture at 44.01% and 4,868 tons of materials diverted.
2. Conducted waste pilots and audits to measure best practice for hauling of refuse and recycling materials to established compactor waste yards.
3. Renewed partnerships with the student group Eco-Action, as well as The Center for Sustainability Green Tour.

2006-2007 Actions & Accomplishments

1. Added two new commodities: plastic file LDPE and plastic bottles #3 - #7.
2. Achieved for the second consecutive year, a new record for recycling capture at 48.6% and 6,070 tons diverted.
3. Renewed discussions on the feasibility of food pulpers in our dining areas and established the pilot location in Pollock Hall.
4. Improved Beaver Stadium Recycling by installing the Blue Bag program to recycle at tailgates during home football games.