Oregon State University
OP-18: Waste Diversion

The weight of surplus items is not taken upon their transfer. However, in FY2010 the sales volume of surplus items was $402,900. This equals a low, rough estimated 4000 lbs/week of material processed through OSU Surplus. None of this material ends up in the landfill, but is sold to the general public, metal recyclers, etc. This accounts for a substantial amount of materials diverted from the landfill. As stated on their website, "Campus Recycling is responsible for managing a comprehensive waste management system that focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling with disposal as a last resort." In addition to collecting recyclables from all campus buildings, Campus Recycling also sponsors an annual donation drive in the residence halls during move-out week. In June 2010, they collected 2,517 lbs of house wares, 872 lbs of food and toiletries, 5,262 lbs of clothing and bedding, and 3,000 lbs of scrap wood. These weights are included in the number above. Campus Recycling further reduces waste by providing event recycling as a free service for all campus events, and serving as a resource to event organizers who seek to plan sustainable events. Furthermore, the program recently acquired 20 new indoor recycling bins to be placed throughout campus and increase the convenience of recycling. Successful composting at OSU has been the result of lasting partnerships between OSU, Allied Waste, and the Student Sustainability Initiative. Kitchen waste from University Housing and Dining Services is collected by Allied Waste and composted with yard debris. The finished compost is available for commercial and residential use in Corvallis. There is also an Earth Tub at the Student Sustainability Center, where people can donate their kitchen waste to be composted and used on-site in their permaculture garden. Outreach for recycling and composting occurs via educational events (Recyclemania, Earth Week, etc), tabling at events, public presentations and workshops, collaborative partnerships, social media, etc.

Figures above do not include reused, donated, or re-sold material. Weights for these items are not taken upon their transfer. The amount of total waste diverted is therefore significantly higher than represented above. Data was obtained from campus recycling. For more information, visit the OSU recycling webpage http://recycle.oregonstate.edu/index.cfm