Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.58
Liaison Brad Spanbauer
Submission Date Sept. 12, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
OP-23: Waste Diversion

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.53 / 3.00 Brian Kermath
Sustainability Director
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Materials diverted from the solid waste landfill or incinerator:
940.32 Tons

Materials disposed in a solid waste landfill or incinerator :
904.02 Tons

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:

We have had a strong Recyclemania effort since 2008. Recycling containers are generally co-located with trash containers. In December 2014 the city of Oshkosh and campus community switched to single-stream recycling. Recycling containers generally have restrictive tops to help distinguish them from landfill containers. Community Advisers (peer-to-peer student educators) have promoted recycling in residence halls. Dining Services have greatly reduced food waste, which was sent to the landfill before 2012.


A brief description of any food donation programs employed by the institution:

When practical, food is sent to the Oshkosh Community Food Pantry. In particular, prepared foods and ingredients are sent there prior to closing services for breaks.


A brief description of any pre-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:

Organic waste from kitchens are collected and delivered to a commercial-scale anaerobic biodigester. The solids from the biodigester are sent to commercial composters, or to local farms and landscaping companies for use as a soil amendment.


A brief description of any post-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:

Post-consumer food waste is collected in the Blackhawk Commons, the buffet style dining hall. This organic waste is collected with the use of a food pulper and then delivered to a commercial-scale anaerobic biodigester. The solids from the biodigester are sent to commercial composters, or to local farms and landscaping companies for use as a soil amendment.


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 Yes
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) Yes
Laboratory equipment Yes
Furniture Yes
Residence hall move-in/move-out waste Yes
Scrap metal Yes
Pallets Yes
Motor oil Yes
Tires Yes

Other materials that the institution includes in its waste diversion efforts:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.