Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.07
Liaison Breeana Sylvas
Submission Date Feb. 25, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of California, Merced
IN-3: Innovation 3

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
UC Merced's Waste Sorting Line

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

The waste sorting line at UC Merced is comprised of a team of sixteen students who collect recycle, compost, and landfill waste from all campus buildings excluding dining and housing facilities.

Waste from each building is transported and separated into 15 categories. After separation, the recyclable materials are sold. Compostable materials are sent to a local compost facility. Non recyclable or compostable material is sent to the landfill.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

The measurable outcome of the program included a waste diversion rate of 80% from the upper part of campus, which excludes dining and housing.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum ---
Research ---
Campus Engagement ---
Public Engagement ---
Air & Climate ---
Buildings ---
Dining Services ---
Energy ---
Grounds ---
Purchasing ---
Transportation ---
Waste ---
Water Yes
Coordination, Planning & Governance ---
Diversity & Affordability ---
Health, Wellbeing & Work ---
Investment ---

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
---

The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.