Creating a Zero Waste Campus Arizona State University

ASU Sustainability Practices – Built environment carbon neutral by 2025; institution completely carbon neutral by 2035 – Zero solid waste by 2015; zero wastewater discharge by 2020 – Campus engagement: 60% of students, faculty & staff participate in volunteer sustainability activities by 2015 – Principled practices (Sustainability Literacy, Green Design and Construction, Green Purchasing, Green Events, Green Offices and Green Labs Programs) required of campus users

Zero Solid Waste Roadmap to Zero Waste – assess the university’s complete waste collection processes, waste generation and material conveyance – integrate the data with the findings of ASU’s recent waste composition study, and – create a Roadmap to Zero Solid Waste

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones policies planning education operations

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones policies (example) 1. ASU employees, as stewards of natural resources in our Sonoran Desert region, will avoid (avert) the unnecessary use of materials, will re-use and re-purpose materials that can serve additional functions, and will recycle materials to the full extent possible as they carry out their work. Their success in reducing, re-using and recycling will be noted on performance evaluations.

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones policies (example) 2. Building managers, both those who report directly through ASU lines of management and contract workers, will assure that recycling facilities are in place, in good working condition, and are convenient for campus users. Their success in doing this will be noted on performance evaluations and in contract re-negotiations.

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones policies (example) 3. Purchasing managers, as stewards of natural resources in the Sonoran Desert region, will consider the level, type, and quantity of packaging, the level of recycled content, and the recyclability of materials as they score proposals.

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones planning waste and recycling assessment logistics of operations communications strategies campus recycling master plan

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones education labels and signs communications from green teams – newsletters – listserve notes – social media campus and corporate events, large and small ‘bin user’ training public events and presentations classroom education -events -team projects

Roadmap to Zero Waste Cornerstones operations waste and recycling assessment strategic approach logistics communications strategies

Zero waste begins with aversion Since 2007, annual copy paper purchases have decreased by 40% or 220 tons Print Publications Reduction Initiative Limited Printing Program for students Facilities Management Print Reduction Program Purchases and Business Services Print Reduction Program Online Academic Catalogue Sustainable Digital University with Canon

Zero waste begins with aversion University Housing waste reduction programs Ditch the Dumpster Housing Sustainability Paraprofessionals Model residences Food waste reduction in res hall dining facilities

Zero waste begins with aversion Food waste aversion Re-usable container discount Green Captains food waste reduction projects WVO recycling FOG recycling Trayless dining Grounds for grounds Campus harvest ARAMARK Food Donation Connection

Zero waste begins with aversion Other University aversion projects Banner Bags Mattress de-manufacturing Nike Re-use-A-Shoe Paint reclamation and re-use Asphalt reclamation and re-use Bicycle co-op Chemical re-distribution through SciQuest Carpet tiles Ecological Mail, Waste Free Mail programs Green waste mulching in place

The Roadmap to Zero Waste

Phase 1: Waste Assessment (underway in February 2012) The waste and recycling assessment is underway. We’re assessing both front and back of house collection efficiency and waste diversion measures. The assessment consists of a detailed study of waste-related operations at each campus, including: – Generation trends – Collection flow – Container and compactor placement – Front and back of house solutions – Final waste elimination processes

Phase 2: Develop and implement the plan (March – July 2012) The Roadmap will include: – A report detailing the material composition of the current waste stream, based on ASU’s internal baseline study – An inventory report that details ASU’s initial disposal volumes and costs – An assessment of current materials, methods, and management practices – A list of tactical measures, potential cost savings and estimated expenses the campuses can employ to minimize waste, increase diversion and achieve our Zero Waste goal – A timeline of activities for short-term and long-term implementation of strategies, which will be defined partly by assessments and audits – A description of opportunities and programmatic strategies for recycling, re- use and elimination of solid waste, hazardous materials, universal waste, and e-waste – Additional diversion programs

Zero Waste Campus Nick Brown PhD Director University Sustainability Practices