The results are in from Facilities Operations and Development’s (FOD) two-phase waste characterization study on waste and recycling generated on Ohio State’s main campus.
Baseline data was collected in fall 2021 as part of phase one and multiple waste program enhancements were made to improve how materials were being managed on campus, including:
- Food waste composting collection expanded from 39 to 120 locations.
- Paper towels were removed from various restrooms and occupants were asked to use existing hand dryers. The change is anticipated to deliver a 9% reduction in the university’s total annual landfill waste.
- A Sustainability and Zero Waste eLearning module was developed to improve environmental literacy and sustainable operations training for custodial staff. The training will launch in April 2023.
The second phase of the study, completed in fall 2022, collected comparison data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program enhancements as well as a 2021 education campaign.
Zero Waste Coordinator Molly Kathleen says these waste studies allow her team to gather important information on the efficacy of Ohio State’s recycling systems in different types of buildings, “Having this granular data helps Ohio State strategically prioritize waste reduction initiatives so we can most effectively and efficiently make progress toward achieving zero waste.”
Phase two findings showed that the number of recyclable materials found in the trash decreased by approximately 196 tons. That’s comparable to 30 elephants! While positive changes were realized, there’s more work to do.
Food waste, compostable serving ware, and compostable fibers like paper towels and napkins made up 35% (4,556 tons) of the materials discarded in the trash. Paper represented the recyclable material that was most thrown away in the trash and the largest recycling contaminant was non-recyclable plastics.
The campus community can help Ohio State make progress toward the university’s zero waste goal by learning what can and can’t be recycled on campus. All campus buildings have recycling. Just look for red “RECYCLE” bins or others labeled for recycling. Keep your recyclables clean and dry. Finally, explore the answers to frequently asked recycling questions.