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.