CAMPUS RESOURCE GUIDE TO WASTE MANAGEMENT

Feeling like you can’t make an impact? Want to see sustainable change within your campus community? Continue here for tips and tricks, daily habitual changes, and resources regarding how to properly manage waste, specifically on a college campus.

What can I do to reduce the amount of waste going to a landfill from my campus? This list includes everybody involved because anybody can create and inspire change!

  1.  Do your research about your campus
    1. Many campuses have initiatives in place to reduce waste that students might not know about. Ask around and do research to see what your campus already offers so that you can participate! For example, many campuses provide reusable to-go containers from their dining halls to reduce food waste as well as avoid using single use containers. Additionally, a campus with a coffee stand might offer discounts to those who bring their own reusable coffee cups and mugs.
  2.  Carry a reusable water bottle
    1. Colleges often include water refill stations all across the campus. Rather than  continuously purchasing plastic water bottles to keep in the dorm room, purchase a reusable bottle to be conveniently refilled often. It’s important to stay hydrated as well!
  3.  Embrace Technology
    1. Avoid wasting paper by taking notes and filing documents efficiently online. When necessary, print documents double sided to cut your paper use in half. For students and professors, see if a textbook or classroom materials are available online
  4.  Use less single use materials
    1. Avoid using single use things like cutlery, packaging, plastic etc… as much as possible. Purchase reusable alternatives instead to reduce the need for single use materials at all. For administrative decision makers, consider removing these wasteful materials from being offered on campus at all. Campuses have already moved towards banning plastic water bottles from being sold altogether. 
  5.  Recycle
    1. It seems like a simple solution, but is not as effective as we think it is. Materials can be sorted incorrectly and contaminate a whole batch of recyclables. In addition, waste is often just placed in the wrong trash or recycling can. Colleges can consider proper recycling education through fliers or pamphlets across campus, as well as guides near the trash cans to explain what goes where.
  6.  Donate leftover food
    1. The amount of food that gets thrown away from campus dining services is astronomical. Consider partnering with organizations that work to feed the poor rather than dispose of good condition food. Campuses can also investigate how to use food that can’t be donated as an energy source through food to waste. 
  7. Clubs on Campus!
    1. A great way to draw students who have similar interests and passions is by joining clubs. Students interested in a campus’s sustainability efforts can join or create clubs dedicated to reducing waste, food insecurity, or any other area in which they hope to see change. These students are the guiding forces to educating and inspiring those who might not know enough. Getting others involved is crucial to seeing a difference
  8.  Policies and Rules
    1. As campus leaders, administrators have the power to address campus issues, including waste mismanagement. Potential policies that crack down on littering, improper disposal, single use plastics, food waste etc… can motivate others to do their part.

Additional resources:

College and University Recycling Resources

Waste Not, Want Not: A Student Manual To Create Zero Waste College Campuses

Education Facility Waste Programs & Recycling Services | Waste Management

Waste Minimization & Recycling

These links are a great place to start to learn more about what you can do, as well as read about some examples of what other colleges have done! We have to start somewhere, so start on your campus and move forward. Every bit counts! Continue to practice good habits, do research, and inspire others!