Campus Race to Zero Waste has officially kicked off! For the next eight weeks, Ohio State will be competing against universities across the nation to see who can achieve the highest landfill diversion rate! This is our chance to show our commitment to sustainability, and we need your help!
How You Can Make a Difference
Whether you're in the office, classroom, or lab, everyone plays a part in reducing waste on campus. Here’s how you can support Ohio State’s zero waste goal and help us lead the pack:
- Know What’s Recyclable
- Plastic cups, jugs, tubs, and bottles (please leave the lids on!)
- Clear clamshell containers (like carry-out containers, berry containers, and egg cartons)
- Paper, cardboard, paper coffee cups/fountain drink cups, and cartons (like soy milk or broth cartons)
- Pizza boxes (a little grease is OK!)
- Glass bottles and jars
- Metal food and beverage cans
- In the Wexner Medical Center, paper documents should be placed in shredding bins to protect patient privacy.
- Keep It Clean
Ohio State accepts a variety of materials in its recycling program, including:
Make sure your recyclables are clean and dry before tossing them in the bin. Keep food and liquids out of the recycling stream to prevent contamination.
- Recycle Daily
Recycling bins are located in every building on campus—look for the red “RECYCLE” bins or other clearly labeled containers.
- Get Answers to Common Questions
Not sure if something can be recycled? Explore Ohio State’s recycling FAQs to stay informed about what can and can’t go in the bins.
- Think Beyond the Bin!
Not all materials belong in the commingled recycling bins. Use SWACO’s search tool to find local options for recycling specialty items that aren’t accepted on campus.
- Compost with Us
Composting is a powerful tool for reducing waste! You can use the green compost bins available across campus or sign up for Ohio State’s free compost drop-off program.
Ohio State’s Commitment to Improving Recycling
We’re also making changes to make recycling even easier. New backboard signs are being installed on recycling and trash bins around campus to improve visibility and understanding. Early results show these signs have led to a 33% increase in recyclable materials captured and a 12% reduction in contamination or unwanted items ending up in recycling bins. These small changes are already making a big impact!
This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from Rumpke Waste & Recycling and Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS).
If you have any questions about recycling or composting on campus, contact recycle@osu.edu.