Waste
NC State is a leader in waste research and strategies to conserve both environmental and economic resources.
NC State’s interdisciplinary waste research and management strategies play a vital role in conserving both environmental and economic resources on campus and beyond. This leadership contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
NC State actively creates procedures and promotes a culture where source reduction of materials is the first priority for waste reduction followed by reuse and recycling.
of campus waste was diverted from the landfill in fiscal year 2021.
Campus waste reduction efforts are guided by NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling.
Resources
- NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Wolfpack Guide to Zero Waste – Use this guidebook for tips on how to live, learn, lead and take action for zero waste on campus.
- Zero Waste at NC State – Learn how NC State strives for zero waste.
- Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction – View resources on recycling from NC State Extension, the largest outreach program at NC State.
Policies and Guidelines
NC State’s waste reduction efforts are rooted in numerous data-driven studies and sustainability-related policies, procedures, and commitments.
CAMPUS COMMITMENTS
- Wolfpack 2030: Powering the Extraordinary
- University-wide Sustainability Policy
- 2019 Waste Characterization Study
- 2015 Waste Characterization Study
- Campus Sustainability Standard Operating Procedures
- Sustainability Strategic Plan, which provides a five-year comprehensive roadmap for advancing campus sustainability. Every year tactics are updated and progress is reported in NC State’s Annual Sustainability Report
- Physical Master Plan
- Centennial Master Plan
- University Construction Guidelines
- All new construction built to LEED – Silver standards, announced spring 2008
- 2011 Self Service Recycling and Waste
OTHER COMMITMENTS
- University of North Carolina General Administration Sustainability Policy, – Universities shall develop policies and programs that
work toward achieving zero waste, 2009 - Commitment to Environmental Sustainability-Guiding Principles, 1999
N.C. COMMITMENTS
- Session Law 1989 (Senate Bill 111) – mandates state entities to recycle and reduce waste, 1989
- North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.10(f-m) – establishes disposal bans on a wide range of materials such as oil filters, plastic bottles and wooden pallets, 1983
- North Carolina General Statute 130A-310.60 – recycle fluorescent bulbs and thermostats generated in public buildings, 1983
- NC Executive Order 156 – state government environmental sustainability, reduction in solid waste and procurement of environmentally preferable purchasing, 1998
- NC General Statute 143-58.2 – purchase of products with recycled content, 1994
- NC General Statute 143-58.3 – purchase of recycled paper and paper products, 1994
