Waste Reduction and Recycling
A major university like NC State needs and uses lots of resources.
With the leadership of its Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, NC State actively creates procedures, procurement and a culture where source reduction of materials is the first priority for waste reduction followed by reuse and recycling. Waste is a potential loss of resources that would otherwise have economic and environmental benefits. The university has set a goal to achieve a 60 percent waste diversion rate by 2015, with a stretch goal of achieving a 65 percent as outlined in the Sustainability Strategic Plan. The University works to accomplish this through defined strategies of source reduction, programs and creating a culture shift toward waste consciousness. Many campus waste reduction efforts are guided by NC legislation Senate Bill 111 (mandates state entities to recycle and reduce waste) and General Statute 130A-309.10(f-m) (bans landfill disposal of certain items).
What You Can Do
BYO Cup, Bottle or Mug
With a reusable water cup, bottle or mug, you can keep better hydrated anywhere you go while also reducing waste created through disposable plastic bottles or cups. You’ll help limit the use of plastic bottles, which in addition to taking lots of petroleum -based energy to produce also take up to 700 years to decompose if not responsibly recycled (80 percent of bottles aren’t). Look for convenient water bottle refilling stations located around campus.
Recycle
Know what you can and can’t recycle on campus. Plastics, paper and cardboard might be obvious recyclables but did you know you could recycle on campus:
Pack a Bag
Take reusable bags while shopping. Plastics bags take lots of resources to produce, are typically used just once, and take up to 1,000 years to decompose once they’re trashed. Some stores give discounts for bringing your own bag. In addition to keep creeks, campus and area landfills free of plastic bags, you’ll help save lots of energy. Did you know the amount of petroleum used to produce 14 plastic bags could fuel a car for one mile?
