Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 52.81
Liaison Mike Furno
Submission Date Feb. 26, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Denver
OP-23: Waste Diversion

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.73 / 3.00 Chad King
Sustainability Coordinator
Sustainbility
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

None
Materials diverted from the solid waste landfill or incinerator:
390 Tons

None
Materials disposed in a solid waste landfill or incinerator :
1,222 Tons

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A brief description of programs, policies, infrastructure investments, outreach efforts, and/or other factors that contributed to the diversion rate, including efforts made during the previous three years:
The mission of Denver University's Recycling Program is to implement a convenient, safe and cost-effective recycling program that is available to as many people as possible. We rely on participation and feedback from students, faculty and staff to continuously expand and improve upon existing programs, as well as to develop new recycling/sustainability initiatives. Since recycling at DU is just one action the institution and its members may take to increase sustainability, we strive to provide additional information about sustainable living so students are aware of how to lessen their environmental impact. Composting has begun in the last three years, improving diversion rates. New signage across campus has improved the common experience at waste bins, improving color coding by waste stream across campus. Outreach materials have been created emphasizing appropriate disposal methods. The new Center for Sustainability website has provided additional information.

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A brief description of any food donation programs employed by the institution:
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A brief description of any pre-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
We participate in pre-consumer food waste composting in both resident dining halls, Nagel Hall and the Ritchie Center. During the food preparation, our team is careful to discard compostable items in labeled bins in the back-of the-house food preparation areas.

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A brief description of any post-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
We participate in post-consumer food waste composting in both of the resident dining halls on campus. After finishing their meal, dining hall patrons discard compostable items in clearly labeled bins.

Does the institution include the following materials in its waste diversion efforts?:
Yes or No
Paper, plastics, glass, metals, and other recyclable containers Yes
Food donations No
Food for animals No
Food composting Yes
Cooking oil Yes
Plant materials composting Yes
Animal bedding composting No
Batteries Yes
Light bulbs Yes
Toner/ink-jet cartridges Yes
White goods (i.e. appliances) No
Laboratory equipment No
Furniture Yes
Residence hall move-in/move-out waste Yes
Scrap metal Yes
Pallets Yes
Motor oil Yes
Tires Yes

None
Other materials that the institution includes in its waste diversion efforts:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
As a point of clarification, diversion rates are based only on traditional residential waste, recycling and compost.

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.