Waste
The state of California has mandated to divert at least 75% of waste related materials by 2020. Although the campus has historically met this requirement based on the high demolition and construction diversion, the daily practices of the campus community will need to improve to continue to meet these goals. Implementing programs that allow students to benefit from reuse initiatives both improve student success and help the University meet its state mandate.
Achievements
- Initiated compost collection in all buildings where food service is provided.
- Pilot residential compost collection launched in 2019 and East Campus compost collection initiated as part of a student capstone in 2018 continues.
- Launched e-waste collection sites in 4 areas throughout campus.
This chart illustrates tons of material generated by disposal category from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, 1250 tons of material was sent to landfill. In 2017, 1350 tons. In 2018, 1170 tons was sent to landfill. In 2016 and 2017, 600 tons of material was recycled. In 2018, 650 tons was recycled. In 2016, 90 tons of material was sent to food compost. In 2017, 70 tons. In 2018, 50 tons was sent to food compost. In 2016, 80 tons of material was sent to "other." In 2017, 50 tons. And in 2018, 20 tons.
- Increase staffing to support the diversion requirements in an increasingly complex regulatory system. This could include hiring a full time Materials Manager and establishing a paid Zero Waste Ambassador program (5 – 10 students each year).
- Ensure all events (student events as well as internal and external-partner sponsored) serving food integrate zero waste practices (such as “Bring Your Own”, provide 3-stream zero waste station and have zero-waste ambassadors present).
- Enhance e-waste collection for the Information Technology department and host regular e-waste collection events once a year.
- Eliminate all single-use plastic, except those necessary for medical or research by January 2022.
- Host or provide 30 zero waste presentations and/or trainings to students, staff and faculty per year, ensuring content includes social justice impacts and the waste economy.
- Eliminate SWAG at tabling events; annually choose one item campus-wide for the campus “gift”. If SWAG is necessary, ensure it is a sustainable option.
- Integrate centralized waste stations, adding compost as appropriate, in all non-residential buildings on campus by January 2025.
- Eliminate plastic liners in all centralized waste station recycling bins by January 2022.
- Identify options for eliminating and reducing all non-recyclable materials in packaging for computers, monitors and peripherals. (primarily styrofoam).
- Implement the Materials Management and Conservation Plan to reach consistency in bin-collection infrastructure and signage.
- Introduce an “otter-mug”, reusable cup program.
- Market and expand food to-go container program. Allow students to use their own clean reusable containers.
- Identify an avenue for re-use of excess supplies, either as a zero waste reuse store on campus or an online exchange for goods.
- Provide compost collection to all residential halls by 2023.
- Host 2 “Swap” & “Fix it” events prior to move-out.
- Host a dorm-garage sale prior to move-out.
- Expand the Move-out window for Main Campus and East Campus.
- Create and pilot a program for recovering household goods (furniture, sheets, dishes, etc.) and distributing them through re-sale, barter or as re-usable welcome kits.
- Rent more fully furnished units.
- Review campus or CSU policy that may hinder the ability to donate excess office supplies.