UCI and sustainability: waste diversion
The UCI campus is on its way exceeding the UC Sustainability Policy goal of 50% waste diversion by the June 2008 deadline.
In fiscal year 2007, UCI diverted 55% of its waste from the landfill through various recycling, waste reduction and re-use methods. During the first half of the 2007-08 fiscal year, we have increased to a 58% diversion rate. This is a significant increase from the calendar year 2006 diversion rate of 44%.
Our most recent achievement toward meeting this goal is the doubling of mixed paper tonnage resulting from the implementation of our mixed paper desk side recycling program. Most of the campus recycling is from mixed paper, cardboard, construction and demolition materials, and green waste diversion.
The following waste reduction and re-use projects have also contributed to meeting recycling goals: dorm move out charity donations (i.e. food, clothing, furniture & household items), re-usable mug discounts, food waste reduction events in the Commons areas, leftover food donations, re-use art competitions, and paper towel holder waste reduction labels.
How the campus community can help meet UC Sustainability goals:
- Recycle appropriate items in designated recycling bins
- Student residents should donate unwanted items to charity
- Buy durable, re-usable items rather than disposable or poor quality items
- Bring meals/snacks in re-usable containers
- Avoid items with excessive packaging
- Place e-waste and batteries in designated recycling bins
In calendar year 2007 mixed paper recycling alone saved approximately: 7,500 trees, 1,300 cubic yards of landfills space, 200,000 gallons of oil, 260,000 lbs. of air pollution, and 300,000 gallons of water.
Beyond meeting policy requirements it is our goal to use recycling and waste reduction as an educational tool and to lead as an example for other institutions. The UCI Facilities Management Recycling program also encourages student participation in recycling and sustainability activities with its student for-credit internships and its sponsorship of the Anteaters for Recycling & Conservation student club.
Contact:
Suzanne Hibbs, UCI Recycling and Refuse Coordinator
UCI Facilities Management
(949) 824-9047
(949) 824-9381 Fax
shibbs@uci.edu
UCI Facilities Management Recycling
Anteaters for Recycling and Conservation Club
