Post on 22-May-2020
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
UNIVERSITY of WASHINGTON
UW Recycling On the Path toward 70% Waste Diversion
Emily Newcomer
UW’s Sustainability Mandate
“The University of Washington will strive to be a model of
environmental stewardship and sustainability by identifying and
supporting efficient, cost-effective, sustainable practices in all its
operations…… The University will reduce its consumption of
materials, shift to renewably-produced materials, and increase
the reuse, recycling, and composting of these materials,
including food waste….”
- Executive Order signed August 30, 2012
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Campus Sustainability Partners
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Waste Diversion Efforts
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Waste Diversion Snapshot
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Current waste diversion rate is 61 %
Striving for 70% Waste Diversion
• Improving Campus Spaces
• Piloting New Programs
• Student Engagement
Improving Campus Spaces
Improving Campus Spaces
Improving Campus Spaces
Improving Campus Spaces
Piloting New Programs
Launched a restroom paper towel composting pilot in two high-use buildings (Allen-Suzzallo and Odegaard libraries).
Student Engagement • SCRAM: Student Moveout Program
• Residence hall program has kept 125 tons of material out of landfill through reuse and donation
• Husky Neighborhood Clean Up
• Donation and recycling program targeting fraternities and sororities
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Student Engagement • Trash In: Exploring the Way We Waste
• Bi-annual waste sorting event
• RecycleMania: Get Caught Green-Handed
• Student-led competition held during RecycleMania
• Football Bluebag Outreach:
• Recycling program for tailgaters
Student Engagement • Social Media
• Facebook, Instagram & memes to engage and educate students
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.
Thank You!
Sustainability: It’s in our nature.