Skip to main content

News: Goals - Achieve Zero Waste

  • Sustainable Paper Products and Hand Dryers Reshape Campus Operations

    bartholomew.185@osu.edu | May 21, 2026
    Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) is leading a university-wide effort to reduce the environmental impact of paper towel waste by installing high-efficiency hand dryers or a more sustainable single-use option. In 2025, paper towels accounted for approximately 6.7% of all campus waste, more than 1,600 tons annually. “Reducing waste at this scale requires both behavior change and smarter...
    Compostable paper towels with a sign on the bin that says, "paper towels are compostable"

  • Paper Towel Composting Grows Across the Columbus Campus

    bartholomew.185@osu.edu | May 18, 2026
    The Ohio State Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) Recycling and Refuse Services team and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) have expanded composting efforts across most CFAES buildings on the Columbus campus. The initiative adds paper towel composting in restrooms and expands front-of-house composting in applicable areas. Buildings included in the...
    A woman is seen about to put a paper towel into a paper towel specific compost bin.

  • Celebrating Earth Day

    Jake Rahe | April 22, 2026
    Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. In honor of this milestone, we want to recognize and appreciate the work FOD does to support our resource stewardship initiatives on campus. From caring for our buildings and grounds to supporting responsible resource use, our efforts are essential to strengthen Ohio State’s commitment to a more sustainable future. This work is enhanced through strong...
    Earth day wellness

  • April 17: Litter Pick-Up

    Jake Rahe | March 31, 2026
    This spring, the Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) team is proud to host a campus litter cleanup on April 17, 2026! Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join us for a hands-on opportunity to help beautify our campus. One-hour shifts will be available between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, making it easy to fit volunteering into your day. Share your #BuckeyeLove for the environment while...
    Tulips in spring

  • Plan Your Spring Cleanout With Zero Waste In Mind

    bartholomew.185@osu.edu | March 25, 2026
    This spring, the Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) Recycling and Refuse Services team is ready to help faculty and staff turn your office cleanouts into a sustainability win. In 2024, we diverted more than six tons of hard cover books from the landfill, proof that your efforts really make a difference! Whether you’re clearing out storage, organizing your workspace, or tackling a big...
    Four red recycle bins lined up against a wall

News Archive