Cornell University
OP-T2-42: Move-In Waste Reduction

This August, waste on Move-In Day was reduced by ensuring proper sorting of recyclables, compost and landfill and by eliminating the need to supply volunteers with bottled water.

A trial program for sorting of waste from the residence halls was performed, in partnership with our waste hauler and our county recycling facility. The trial involved running all our waste from move-in day through a waste diversion line at our county facility. The ensured a full capture of all recyclable material.

Members of a student group, the Cornell Organization for Resource Efficiency (CORE), monitored dumpsters around buildings. CORE volunteers worked closely with more than two dozen fall opening events to ensure recycle, landfill, and compost was offered. CORE volunteers were present at all events to monitor waste stations at each of these events and to educate participants on composting and recycling on our campus.

Additionally, all Orientation volunteers and new students, approximately 5000 students, received metal reusable water bottles. Orientation volunteers work hard to help move belongings into buildings and this gift eliminated the need to provide bottled water, therefore greatly reducing waste created.

Additional collection containers for cardboard are placed at each residence hall, custodial staff work additional hours to assist with material collection and direction of students and families in proper recycling of materials, and recycling information is provided during orientation and with tabling on move-in day.

Campus Life did an experiment with Cassella where waste was collected all in one truck and was sorted in the County's waste diversion line. While this was successful, the County has had limited success with its waste diversion line and may not have this option for the fall of 2013.