Zero Waste
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 works 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).
The major ways the university diverts landfill waste is through recycling, reuse programs and composting.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Website
49%
is the amount of waste NC State diverted from the landfill in fiscal year 2016.
CAMPUS WASTE REDUCTION NEWS | More
At This Campus Lab, Worms Eat Your Leftovers
Worms at the NC State Composting Learning Lab recycle organic material like food waste into compost.
Western Manor Apartments Lead Pack In Recycling Competition
In the annual Recyclemania campus competition, residents of NC State's Western Manor Apartments led the way.
Students Donate Leftover Campus Food To People In Need
NC State's student chapter of the Food Recovery Network redistributes leftover food from campus to local nonprofits that address hunger and homelessness.
How You Can Help
1. Bring your own cup, bottle, mug or bag to reduce use of disposable items on campus.
2. Recycle paper, plastics, cardboard, cans, plastic bags, electronics and even cooking oil on campus.
3. Compost food waste and paper-based food packaging at campus composting locations.
Resources
NC State’s Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling
NC State’s Cooperative Extension offers the following resources related to agriculture and food.