Planning on Zero Waste - A case study from higher education

Zero waste is like sustainability since there is not one definitive definition to which everyone adheres. While the goal seems logical, there could be challenges or barriers creating a materials management program or policy based on an abstract concept.  Zero waste can be a waste reduction goal or it can be an aspirational vision statement to work toward for higher education institutions.  If taken literally, a zero waste goal would divert 100% of materials from landfill disposal through reduction, reuse, recycling and other means. Increasing diversion from landfills toward 100% also qualifies as a “zero waste” goal with organizations setting interim goals with the intention of increasing diversion to the extent that is possible.

This case study at the University of Louisville examines how the university plans to move toward its zero waste goal.  The Vice President for Business Affairs convened a Recycling Committee which has been working on increasing recycling and composting, reviewing purchasing and packaging, and decreasing the materials going to the landfill, with the audacious goal of moving toward zero waste.  We have examined best practices and policies among other universities and interviewed and observed people on campus to see how they make decisions with their waste.  We are making recommendations about education programs and how to get people on campus to change their behavior(s).

This presentation will detail the step-by-step process one university used in an effort to increase sustainability through minimizing disposal.  It will also present recycling and diversion rates as the process proceeds.