Department: Facilities Information and Technology Services
Certification Level: Bronze
Certification Date: May 27, 2025
Facilities Information and Technology Services (FITS) recently joined the Hefty ReNew program with support from Recycling and Refuse Services. To launch the effort, Recycling and Refuse Services provided a collection bin, signage, starter liners and an email template staff could use to announce the program.
FITS shares a kitchen and break room with Facilities Design and Construction, and the new program gives employees an alternative to the landfill for hard-to-recycle plastics commonly generated in office settings, including packing materials and food packaging. The office fills about one 13-gallon bag each week.
In addition to diverting waste, the program has encouraged conversations about sustainability and increased awareness of recycling options employees can use both at work and at home. Several staff members have since started participating in the Hefty ReNew program at home.
Employees often want to adopt more sustainable practices but are unsure where to begin. By incorporating sustainability efforts into the workplace, FITS is helping create a culture that encourages learning and participation.
After reviewing results from its 2025 Green Buckeye certification application, FITS set an internal goal to implement at least one new office sustainability initiative during fiscal year 2026. Participation in Hefty ReNew is one result of that effort. The initiative also aligns with Buckeye Wellness Innovator goals, which emphasize environmental wellness as one of the program’s dimensions of wellness.
FITS staff said the Green Buckeye program helped identify opportunities for improvement and provided direction for future sustainability goals. The department plans to continue incorporating sustainability initiatives into its broader workplace wellness efforts.
For more information about the hard-to-recycle plastics recycling program, contact recycle@osu.edu.
Learn more about the Green Buckeye Certification program online.