University of Louisville
Materials & Waste
Reduction Strategic Plan
Working Toward a Zero Waste University
2013
2301 South Third Street, Louisville, KY
40292
Materials & Waste Reduction Strategic Plan
DRAFT August 26, 2013
Paraphrased from Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll is often quoted as writing “if you don’t know
where you’re going, any road will take you there”. This materials and waste reduction strategic plan
is designed to propel our premier metropolitan research university toward zero waste as a part of the
University’s sustainability program. It details where we are, where we want to be and provides a
variety of ideas to get there.
The University of Louisville (UofL) is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability
in Higher Education (AASHE) The primary tool used by the University of Louisville to measure our
progress in sustainability is the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating
System) framework developed by AASHE. As a Charter Participant in STARS, UofL was the first school in
the region -- and the 10th in the nation -- to achieve a STARS rating and we continue to have the
highest STARS rating in Kentucky. Check out the map of STARS schools.
As part of our university-wide strategic plan, UofL seeks to progressively improve our overall STARS
rating and our score across all sections of the framework. We are staying true to that goal.
UofL achieved a new STARS Silver rating (58.29 points) on February 6, 2013. This represented a
significant improvement from our first rating in January 2011 of STARS Silver (50.11 points). Our 2013
rating report documents that, on top of what we were already doing well, we’ve seen significant
improvement in many areas and some truly innovative things we’re doing to advance sustainability.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................6
UofL Strategic Plan (2008 – 2020) ..........................................................................................................................7
Sustainability Vision................................................................................................................................................8
Where Do We Want To Be? .......................................................................................................................................8
Zero-Waste Goal .....................................................................................................................................................8
Where Are We Now? ..................................................................................................................................................8
Current Waste Diversion Program .........................................................................................................................9
Single Stream Recycling ..........................................................................................................................................9
Batteries .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Chemicals............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Electronic Scrap/Electronics Waste ..................................................................................................................... 11
Lighting or Spent Lamps (Bulbs) .......................................................................................................................... 11
Cell Phones .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Composting.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Toner Cartridge and Ink Jet Recycling ................................................................................................................. 12
Surplus Sale/Swap – X-Change ............................................................................................................................ 12
Green Purchasing ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Dining/Catering ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Reduce Disposables ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Reduce Junk Mail ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Paint Reuse .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Community Supported Agriculture/Farmer’s Markets ....................................................................................... 15
Construction & Demolition Diversion ................................................................................................................. 16
Metals Recycling .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Print Sharing ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Reusable Serving Containers ............................................................................................................................... 16
2012 Recycling Totals .......................................................................................................................................... 17
How Do We Get There? ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Strategic Initiatives .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Initiative 1 – Conduct a Comprehensive Waste Audit......................................................................................... 18
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Significant Actions ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Strategic Indicators .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Initiative 2 – Create Zero Waste Policy ............................................................................................................... 19
Initiative 3 – Expand Reuse and Recycling .......................................................................................................... 19
Significant Actions ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Strategic Indicators .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Initiative 4 – Expand Composting ........................................................................................................................ 20
Strategic Actions .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Strategic Indicators .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Initiative 5 – Investigate the benefit of a Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator ................................................... 20
Initiative 6 – Create Consistent Messaging, Branding and Infrastructure .......................................................... 20
Strategic Actions .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Strategic Initiatives .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Initiative 7 – Encourage Campus Engagement .................................................................................................... 21
Strategic Actions .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Strategic Initiatives .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Education, Engagement and Behavior Change ....................................................................................................... 21
Opportunities and Challenges ................................................................................................................................. 22
University Commitments ................................................................................................................................. 22
Financial Commitments ................................................................................................................................... 22
Transparency in Data Reporting ...................................................................................................................... 23
Path to Zero Waste .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Increase Single Stream Recycling ........................................................................................................................ 23
Increase Battery Recycling................................................................................................................................... 23
Increase Recycling/Reuse of Laboratory Chemicals ............................................................................................ 24
Increase Recycling of Electronic Waste ............................................................................................................... 24
Increase Lighting or Spent Lamps (Bulbs) Recycling............................................................................................ 24
Increase Recycling of Cell Phones ....................................................................................................................... 24
Increase Composting ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Increase Toner Cartridge and Ink Jet Recycling ................................................................................................... 25
Increase Surplus Sale/Swap – X-Change.............................................................................................................. 25
Increase Green Purchasing/Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) ........................................................ 26
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Increase Recycling within Dining/Catering .......................................................................................................... 26
Further Reduce Disposables ................................................................................................................................ 26
Further to Reduce Junk Mail ............................................................................................................................... 27
Increase Participation in Community Supported Agriculture/Farmer’s Markets ............................................... 27
Increase Ways for Paint Reuse ............................................................................................................................ 27
Increase Construction & Demolition Diversion ................................................................................................... 27
Increase Metals Recycling ................................................................................................................................... 27
Increase Print Sharing.......................................................................................................................................... 28
Increase Use of Reusable Serving Containers ..................................................................................................... 28
New Ideas ................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Event Waste Diversion ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Packaging Reduction ........................................................................................................................................... 29
Think Before You Ink – DUPLEX ........................................................................................................................... 29
Paperless Systems ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Bike (Re)cycling.................................................................................................................................................... 29
Create Maps Indicating Recycling & Trash Locations .......................................................................................... 30
Communications & Outreach .............................................................................................................................. 30
Orientation Sessions ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Lunch & Learn Sessions ................................................................................................................................... 30
Green Guide for Students ................................................................................................................................ 30
Green Office Program...................................................................................................................................... 31
Applied Sustainability Research – Sustainability Scholars Roundtable ........................................................... 31
Draft Zero Waste Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 34
Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................................................... 35
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Executive Summary
UofL President James Ramsey signed the American College and University Presidents Climate
Commitment in 2008. The university released its Climate Action Plan in September, 2010, as a
comprehensive roadmap for achieving a climate neutrality goal over the next four decades. A summary
of the Plan and a link to the full document can be found on the UofL’s sustainability web site at
www.louisville.edu/sustainability. Our Executive Vice President and University Provost, Shirley
Willihnganz, has championed sustainability, local foods and community supported agriculture with her
commitment exemplified by the Sustainability Council and the Assistant to the Provost for
Sustainability initiative answering directly to her office.
This Zero Waste Strategic Plan is the first comprehensive examination of the University of Louisville’s
materials and waste reduction and diversion programs representing a major step toward UofL’s
leadership role as a higher education institution in the area of sustainability, not only in Kentucky, but
in the southeast region and the United States. This plan will provide the basis for moving towards zero
waste to landfill as a part of our sustainability efforts.
Achieving zero waste is challenging for any institution, business or municipality; but zero waste is
particularly demanding for a metropolitan research university. UofL is a small city with an average daily
population of 25,000 or more people consisting of administrators, faculty, staff, students and visitors.
The university waste stream is extremely varied resulting from the different processes and activities
that occur on the three campuses. The Health Science Center (HSC) campus presents a clinical
population in addition to research related waste and materials. Proceeding to zero waste requires
buy-in and participation from the whole campus community. We need to increase each material
opportunity we are actively working on now, we need to try things we have not tried previously, and
we must advance our data management, communication, outreach and engagement to the next level.
UofL will improve all of our initiatives, increasing recycling in the buildings and on the grounds;
expanding the post-consumer composting program to all dining facilities; and continue seeking new
ways to do more. We will work with our materials manager/recycling facility to assess our waste
stream through a waste characterization of each campus. We will create an electronic data
management system for waste and recycling data, using dashboard systems around UofL facilities to
remind people we are moving toward zero waste. The university can take a number of paths to achieve
zero waste, but the Sustainability Council and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee
may employ strategies through pilot programs in different VP/Dean units prior to taking programming
campus-wide.
The Sustainability Council, the Operations Committee and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction
Committee will work closely with Contract Administration and Procurement Services to assess
potential waste and packaging reduction opportunities with the university’s suppliers. We will also
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examine Request for Proposals (RFPs) and contract language to ensure that sustainability is a part of
the award process and the contract to which our vendors must adhere.
The University, as a member of the Partnership for a Green City, will be a part of a Total Materials
Management RFP which will seek one vendor to handle the 18 material streams that are germane to
the Partnership Purchasing Consortium. The idea will be to have one vendor manage everything that
leaves the buildings and grounds with the expectation of maximizing recycling and composting while
minimizing waste that is landfilled. Following the EPA’s solid waste hierarchy, we will reduce, reuse
and recycle and expect our materials vendor to do the same.
Education, Engagement and Behavior Change will be integral to any successful zero waste or
sustainability program. We will work with the Communication and Marketing personnel in the
President’s office to keep our messaging and branding fresh and consistent, constantly out in front of
all audiences, and engaging to all people as we work to change our waste-based culture. The Phase II
Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee will promote consistent signage, consistent containers,
and develop a campus-wide communication plan to ensure everyone on campus is aware of our zero
waste goal.
Following UofL’s Climate Action Plan, this Zero Waste Strategic Plan it a vital part of the larger strategic
sustainability planning process that promotes sustainability initiatives in Operations; Administration,
Finance and Outreach; and Education and Research. While some are unseen, there are challenges
ahead as we work to propel our materials and waste management initiatives to a higher level,
achieving zero waste by 2020. This plan is intended to be a guiding document that is dynamic – we will
update it and revise it as we move ahead. Through thoughtful consideration and implementation of
the initiatives in this plan, as well as future initiatives, UofL will improve our sustainable management
practices and our stewardship of our resources (both the environment and the taxpayer’s dollars).
Introduction
The University of Louisville has focused on Sustainability since 2004, when the university joined the
Partnership for a Green City. The Board of Trustees adopted a set of environmental Principles in
December 2005 that provide direction around 10 dimensions of environmental, economic and social
sustainability.
As the environmental principles indicate on the next page, the University of Louisville is committed
to integrating sustainability into everything we do - from how we manage our facilities, finances and
people to what we teach in the classroom and what we research in the lab. Under the reduction and
disposal of waste, it states: “We will combine resources to reduce or eliminate waste through source
reduction, reuse and recycling in our own facilities and operations and for the Metro area in general.
We will handle and dispose of all waste using safe and responsible methods”.
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Our vision is to create a university that is itself a living laboratory for sustainability and a campus
community that leads by example and educates as much by what we do as by what we say.
Our goal is to make decisions which reflect a balanced consideration for environmental, social and
economic responsibility and to continually learn as we go.
Creating a more sustainable UofL is a dynamic, multi-faceted, long-term process. We've come a long
way and we have a long way to go...but, yes, it's happening here.
UofL Strategic Plan (2008 – 2020)
In the University’s 2020 Plan: Making it Happen, the following statement details the commitment to
sustainability. UofL will “Expand our efficiency and sustainability initiatives to achieve the highest
STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.”
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Sustainability Vision
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Integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of UofL planning and operations, focusing on the
present, as well as future implications
Engage faculty, staff, students and administrators in ongoing dialogue, inquiry, and discovery of
more sustainable practices through curriculum, degree programs and scholarly research
Empower faculty, staff, students and administrators with an awareness of sustainability issues
ad capacity to contribute to a greener Louisville, Kentucky, United States and world
Design, build, renovate and operate a campus environment that minimizes its carbon foot-print
contributing to the goal of our Climate Action Plan to be climate neutral by 2050
Create innovative paradigms for energy, water, waste, food systems, and transportation that
contribute to best sustainability practices in higher education
Undertake research initiatives, demonstration projects and outreach activities that educate our
community, improve our natural environments and enhance our cultural experiences
Embrace health, diversity, tolerance and human rights as principles by which policy and process
are designed
Where Do We Want To Be?
As the university realigns its priorities as a 21st Century University, there are three questions that the
strategic planning groups are asking.
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Where are we now?
Where do we want to be?
How do we get there?
Given the focus of this planning document, the questions will be taken out of the order as listed above.
For our purposes and an explanation of why, we will address where do we want to be first, then assess
where we are now and provide some ideas to get to the goal.
Zero-Waste Goal
The Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee believes that the University can aggressively
pursue a “Zero-waste” goal by the year 2020. Noting that there are multiple recognized definitions of
zero-waste, the committee believes that the three campuses can achieve a 90% waste diversion rate at
a minimum, striving to achieve true zero waste with no waste going to the landfill.
Where Are We Now?
Knowing where we want to go, we first need to understand where UofL is now in the areas of recycling
and waste diversion.
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Current Waste Diversion Program
It is vital to the success of every recycling program that each member of the UofL community does
their part to reduce the amount of solid waste generated on campus.
Since 1991, the UofL Physical Plant has administered many recycling activities and programs. These
programs include paper, cardboard, fly ash, construction debris, refrigerant, used oil, scrap metal, and
many other items. In 1995, Physical Plant and the Department of Environmental Health & Safety
(DEHS) implemented a program to collect and recycle “universal wastes” which includes batteries,
mercury containing devices, and lighting.
Physical Plant is also committed to reducing waste and reusing materials whenever possible. Our
campus-wide programs include turning off lights in offices and bathrooms when not in use, and
powering down computers and monitors after business hours. Physical Plant was also an integral part
of the Belknap and HSC energy audits, a university-wide energy saving performance contract to
conserve energy. Additionally, Physical Plant reuses limbs, leaves, and other materials from campus
grounds for mulch. And we participate in the surplus property exchange program where campus office
furniture and equipment are reused.
In 2012, the university diverted 41.3% of its total waste from landfills.
For questions about what is recyclable at UofL and how to recycle hard to manage items, please
contact Greg Schetler, Physical Plant, Justin Mog, Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability
Initiatives, Brent Fryrear, Partnership for a Green City or for chemicals, lamps and batteries, contact
Cathy Price in DEHS.
Single Stream Recycling
The Landfill Garbage Reduction Program is active at UofL. The University of Louisville is
making great strides in its efforts to reduce the amount of garbage taken to the landfill. Diversion
rates have historically been around 35% since UofL started recycling in the early nineties. WE CAN DO
MORE.
In an effort to recycle more and reduce our impact on the environment, a two-part program has been
adopted by the University to decrease garbage and increase recycling. The first part of this action plan
is the new “Single Stream” recycling program. “Single Stream” recycling is the process in which all
recyclable items are placed in one container and are sorted off site at a recycling facility and then
reused. This is a lot like the recycling program we all participate in at our homes. The second part to
the program is garbage reduction. The “star” of this program is the "Mini Bin" desktop garbage
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can. This is a new concept that makes each individual responsible for the garbage that they
generate. The quart-sized can sits atop your desk. The slogan on the "Mini Bin”, “This is all the
GARBAGE I make,” is a constant reminder to recycle more and produce less garbage.
Printable list of recyclable items (pdf)
More information about plastic recycling (pdf)
Batteries
UofL has an active Battery recycling program. Types of Batteries Accepted: Alkaline, Lithium Ion (Liion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad), and Sealed Lead-Acid (Pb). Maximum weight for any single battery <
2lbs (1 kg).
Not acceptable (to put into box): Batteries >2lbs or 1kg each and liquid-filled batteries (i.e. car-type
lead-acid). For pick-up of these types of batteries contact the Hazardous Waste Coordinator at 8522956.
Chemicals
UofL has had a chemical recycling program for over a decade. Unopened and unused liquid and solid
chemicals are able to be recycled or reused by other researchers or laboratories in the university. This
program does not include expired chemicals or products or any other spent wastes.
Once you have determined that your lab does not need the unused, unopened chemical, inquire with
others within your department to see if it can be used. If no one in your department can use the
chemical, go to the DEHS web-link http://louisville.edu/dehs/waste/disposal.html to submit your
chemical for recycling pick up. A DEHS waste container label is not required. Be sure to scroll down to
the comments section and enter “Chemical is offered for Chem Cycle Program.” DEHS will process
your request and come to your location and pick up the chemical(s) you have designated for recycling
(usually within 2 weeks).
FREE CHEMICALS: University departments can view chemical items currently in the Chem Cycle
program(link http://louisville.edu/dehs/waste/redistribution.html) If you see a chemical on the list you
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can use, e-mail the Hazardous Waste Coordinator at cathy.price@louisville.edu and DEHS will deliver
the chemical to your lab free of charge.
Electronic Scrap/Electronics Waste
UofL has had an electronic recycling program for several years. Most anything with an electrical cord is
acceptable for e-cycling, including televisions, computer hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, lap
top computers, and other audiovisual equipment. For security reasons, any department or workrelated computer hard drive or lap top must be “wiped-clean” by the department Tier I prior to
submitting to Surplus Property.
Determine which of the following forms must be completed for the e-scrap item(s) to be picked up. All
forms are located at the U of L Inventory Control/Surplus Property web-site link at
http://louisville.edu/surplus/forms
For additional information about this program, contact Physical Plant at 852-8181.
Lighting or Spent Lamps (Bulbs)
UofL has recycled lamps and ballasts for decades. Fluorescent light tubes, halogens, compact
fluorescent lamps (CFL) circular and u-shaped fluorescent lamps, high intensity discharge (HID),
mercury vapor and UV lamps should all be recycled rather than throwing them in the garbage.
Incandescent bulbs may be discarded in the regular trash as they have no heavy metal or chemical gas
components.
Questions or comments about this program can be directed to the U of L – Physical Plant Zone
Maintenance Department at 852-8182 or Environmental Health & Safety at 852-6670.
Cell Phones
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UofL Information Technology Department participates in the Verizon Wireless HopeLine
Project. Refurbished phones will be donated to victims of domestic abuse and used as a direct link to
emergency services. Phones that are not refurbished will be recycled. Cell phones can be donated at
the iTech Xpress Store in the basement of the Miller Information Technology Center (MITC) on Belknap
Campus.
Verizon Wireless Hopeline Project
iTech Xpress Store
Composting
UofL is composting in a variety of ways. The Physical Plant Grounds Crew composts all the typical yard
wastes that are generated through the care of the university grounds. Sodexo, the university’s food
service contractor is also extremely active composting pre-food-service “waste” as food is prepared in
the various campus eateries. At the Ville Grille, all pre and post food service “waste” is collected and
composted, including items typically not thought of as compostable. Certain office buildings are also
composting. At the Urban Studies Institute, the building occupants have a compost bin to create
compost for the gardens behind the building. Similarly, Garden Commons composts gardening
materials behind the greenhouses and Professor Brian Barnes works with student volunteers and EcoReps to compost materials from other buildings on the Belknap campus.
Toner Cartridge and Ink Jet Recycling
Most of the toner cartridges that are purchased at the university have return labels in order to return
spent cartridges to the manufacturer or toner cartridge recycler. In 2012, 3374 toner cartridges were
recycled through Clover Technologies. The university is also working through the Partnership for a
Green City on a Recycling Contract for toner cartridges which are not providing a prepaid return label
for recycling or the ink jet cartridge recycling.
Surplus Sale/Swap – X-Change
Surplus furniture and office equipment is returned to Surplus for repurposing around the university
within other offices.
UofL students in Group Recycling and Sustainability Solutions (GRASS) have also created the Free Store
where students who do not want to keep items can donate them to be given to others who may need
clothes, furniture or other dorm/personal items.
Green Purchasing
UofL has an active Green Purchasing program with a Green Purchasing Policy. The policy is found at
http://louisville.edu/purchasing/sustainability/greenpolicy.html
Office Supplies - 17,000 Office Supplies items offered with Recycled Content available
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26.6% of all Office Supply Products purchased by UofL Departments had a recycled content
(total 8118 items).
3488 Recycled Toner Cartridges Purchased
76,700 Reams of Copy Paper (30% Recycled Content)
*Purchasing is Investigating use of re-usable totes for product deliveries instead of cardboard
boxes.
UofL Stores Department
Paper Products (Towels, Tissue, Envelopes, etc.) carry a Recycle Content from 30 to 50 Percent.
Carpet from J&J and Mohawk meets Carpet and Rug Institute Indoor Air Quality Program and
contains a Recycled Content.
Cleaning Chemicals and Products are Green Seal Certified.
Paint Products are Green Seal Certified Product.
Other products with a recycled content: Trash Can Liners, Trash Cans, Microfiber Mop Heads,
Brooms, Buffing Pads.
Printing
All paper used (1560 cartons) in University IT Print Shop has a minimum 30% Recycled Content.
A 4% decrease from 2011. All University outside contracted Print vendors are required to use a
minimum 30% Recycled Content in their products.
Recycling Programs
399,778 Pounds of Office Waste Paper Products were shredded through the Shred-It contract.
This represents 1998 Trees saved.
93% of all Cartridges purchased in 2011 were recycled based upon Total Cartridges purchased in
2011.
51,387 Pounds of Electronic Equipment Recycled through GES. This represents a 35% decrease
from 2011.
1,683,344 Pounds Recycled through Single Stream Recycling Program.
Other
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New Construction and Major Renovation Projects are designed for LEED Certification.
Construction Firms required to recycle construction waste.
All Materials for Turf Replacement at PJCS and Patterson Baseball Stadium will be recycled or reused.
Purchases of Computer Equipment and Appliances are required to be Energy Star Compliant.
Dorm Cleaning Firms required to use Green Seal Certified Product.
All materials (Dorm Furniture and convector units) removed from dorms during Mold
Remediation were recycled or given to Habitat for Humanity.
Dining/Catering
Sodexo promotes sustainability both on the university campus and within its larger North American
Operation. Working closely with UofL, Sodexo is increasing the amount of locally sourced food. In the
past year, 24.7% of food served in the university dining facilities was sourced locally, determined by
farms and businesses within a 100-mile and 250-mile radius of Louisville Metro.
Sodexo is a competent partner with sustainable dining services recycling whatever is recyclable in the
food preparation process. Pre-food-service waste is composted in all dining/catering facilities and the
university and post-food-service waste is composted at the Ville Grille. During certain time periods
throughout the year, uneaten food sent for disposal is weighed to inform students about what is being
wasted.
UofL has many healthy dining opportunities with vegetarian and vegan options available across
campus. We use 100% recycled content napkins at all of our dining locations on campus. We sell
reusable bottles and mugs at many of our dining locations and offer discounted refills when customers
use these, or their own, reusable mugs. When available, we donate left-over food to The Lord’s Kitchen
and Wayside Christian Mission. We also have a donation box at our convenience store, The Nest, that
allows students to purchase non-perishable foods to donate to our local food bank, Dare to Care. Once
a year, Sodexo sponsors an event called Helping Hands that raises awareness about hunger and
accepts student donations for our local food bank. Last year students and faculty at the university
teamed-up to donate nearly 7,000 pounds of food to Dare to Care.
Serving ware in the sit-down restaurants on campus is reusable; however, the fast food franchises yield
rich opportunities for increased recycling and decreased packaging.
Reduce Disposables
Purchasing and UofL Stores have transitioned a number of disposable items such as disposable coffee
cups and plastic serving ware to biodegradable products. At New Employee Orientation, we promote
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people bringing in coffee mugs or reusable drinking cups or reusable water bottles if people drink
coffee, tea, soda or water at their desks. Students have discussed banning disposable water bottles
(which are recyclable) and have advocated taxing plastic bottles for water and sodas.
Reduce Junk Mail
UofL has promoted junk mail reduction – both the junk e-mail that clutters our in boxes and the
traditional marketing mail that comes our way. The Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail
Preference Service (MPS) lets you opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national
companies for five years. When you register with this service, your name will be put on a "delete" file
and made available to direct-mail marketers and organizations. This will reduce most of your
unsolicited mail. However, your registration will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use
the DMA's Mail Preference Service. To register with DMA's Mail Preference Service, go to
www.dmachoice.org .
Paint Reuse
The university maintains standard colors in stock to use for maintenance painting. Departments and
units can choose from an unlimited color palate when having their offices painted. Most everything is
purchased in 1 gallon quantities. Water-based paints with no VOC’s are always utilized when
applicable. Oil based paints are only used when they are necessary usually in outdoor applications like
handrails, doors, etc.
When units or departments choose odd colors that we don’t stock, this paint may be used once and
never used again, sitting on the shelf in the paint shop and then either dries up or gets placed in our
waste paint drum. Leftover paints can be reused by other units or departments.
Community Supported Agriculture/Farmer’s Markets
For the past four or five years, the university has offered a CSA Fair, bringing farmers to campus to sell
shares of their crops to faculty, staff and students with a season from mid-May to mid-October. In
coordination with Thursday CSA drop-offs on Belknap campus, the all-local Root Cellar green grocer
will be bringing its new mobile market - The Root Mobile - to campus for walk-up purchases
and special deliveries in the University Club Parking Lot, Thursdays from 3:00-5:30pm mid-June
through mid-August. The great-tasting, high-quality local products available will change throughout the
season, but look for berries, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, onions, dairy products, grains, syrups,
meats, and more! All of the compostables from The Root Cellar go to the Eco-Reps volunteer
composting weekly. They also supply half of the weekly labor.
The Gray Street Farmer’s Market is open from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. every Thursday from May
through October no matter what the weather. The market operates mid-May through October 31st.
The Market is located on UofL's Health Sciences Center Campus on the 400 block of E. Gray Street,
between Preston and Jackson streets. With 12 vendors at this year's market, you'll find the finest in
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farm-fresh local products, including prepared lunches, fruits, vegetables, honey, baked & canned
goods, oils, soaps, granola and more.
NEW in 2013, UofL added Weekly 20/20 Talks! When people attend the Farmer’s Market, they can
enjoy a 20 minute mini-workshop during the market! The discussion starts at 12:20pm in Room 103 of
the adjacent School of Public Health and Information Sciences.
Construction & Demolition Diversion
UofL has been diverting construction and demolition debris from the landfill for over a decade.
Construction or demolition materials are segregated into their component streams and recycled or
items are donated to Habitat for Humanity or the Habitat Restore.
As the university has increased its LEED certified buildings, all construction and demolition projects
follow LEED standards. Both the construction and renovation of facilities are undertaken while
remaining committed to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus. The university
wants to continually improve and reduce the institution’s overall impact on the environment.
Not only have C&D debris been diverted, on the front end, University Planning Design and Construction
(UPDC) plans the buildings with reuse and recycling in mind. Recycled carpet squares, green office
furniture and other environmentally conscious items are routinely used to promote reuse and recycling
at the end of use.
Metals Recycling
There has been a metal recycling dumpster that Physical Plant has maintained within the department
where ferrous and non-ferrous metals are collected and recycled with the vendor that handles the
single stream recycling at UofL.
Print Sharing
Departments and units, and the university in general, have moved away from individual desk-top
printers to shared multi-use machines that copy, print, scan, fax, and email documents. Color network
printers are also shared in many units or departments. Most of these types of units can be set to
duplex, or copy on both sides of the paper.
Reusable Serving Containers
Campus dining services are in the final stages of planning a pilot project using reusable serving
containers in certain dining facilities. Health codes at the state and national levels are in the process of
being updated allowing for reusable/returnable serving containers at selected facilities. Sodexo and
university personnel are working with the Louisville Metro health department to allow the use of
reusable carry out serving containers in some UofL Dining Facilities. This effort is being done in parallel
with other universities and health departments in Kentucky.
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Reusable coffee cups/containers are encouraged at the various coffee shops on campus for use instead
of disposable cups. Water bottle filling stations are being installed on water fountains around the
three campuses and reusable water bottles are encouraged rather than using the single use plastic
water bottles.
2012 Recycling Totals
Increase
Decrease
Aluminum
UofL PPD
DEHS
Rumpke
QRS
Red Barn
CDI
Purchasing
Barnes
High
Grade
Office
Paper
Cardboard
Scrap Metal
Printer
Cartriges
34,632
419
23,684
4,778
529,030
106,480
16,980
3,660
Coal
Ash
Glass
Reused
Items
Lamps
0
19,518
17,660
3,374
Waste
Management
UPDC
TOTAL:
UofL PPD
DEHS
Rumpke
QRS
Red Barn
CDI
Purchasing
Barnes
28,462
0
Other
PaperMagazines
Newsprint
Books
Plastic
Bottles,
diskettes,
etc.
17
3,460
148,651
Compost
Tires
187,500
1,880
3,374
0
17,660
0
19,518
Waste
Petroleum
Products
EScrap
Batteries
Ballasts
Garbage
9,368
2,064
1,853,320
0
478,240
119,350
141,380
241,460
1,514,840
167,440
6,600
109,080
399,778
51,387
6,600
Waste
Management
UPDC
TOTAL:
7,946
553,956
313,900
878,018
1,240
127,190
890,840
1,880
Calendar
Year
Total
Waste
Generated
(lbs.)
Waste
Generated
Total
Recyclables
(lbs.)
Percent
Diverted
from
Landfill
2012
2011
2010
2009
6,553,396
8,023,186
9,127,127
9,594,815
3,843,920
4,823,220
5,187,719
5,299,280
2,709,476
3,199,966
3,939,408
4,295,535
41.3%
39.9%
43.2%*
44.8%
0
51,387
9,368
2,064
199,240
3,843,920
Materials & Waste Reduction Strategic Plan
2008
2007
2006
2005
8,011,387
6,796,580
6,180,709
5,841,672
4,461,220
4,653,180
4,371,380
4,005,444
3,550,167
2,143,400
1,809,329
1,836,228
DRAFT August 26, 2013
44.3%
31.5%
29.3%
31.4%
How Do We Get There?
A number of strategic initiatives and new ideas will assist in decreasing the waste sent to the landfill while
increasing reduction, reuse and recycling at UofL.
Strategic Initiatives
This document is not intended to serve as a step-by-step road-map toward zero waste, instead, this
plan serves as a guide that steers UofL in the direction of a 90% waste diversion or zero waste. The
strategic initiatives will change as the university through its faculty, staff and students achieves the
goals set with respect to each strategic initiative. As the timeline progresses toward zero waste, this
document will be updated with action items of a more tactical nature. The following broad initiatives
have been identified by the Phase II Solid Waste Reduction committee supporting the commitment to
working toward a zero waste university.
Initiative 1 – Conduct a Comprehensive Waste Audit
For the University of Louisville to fully develop and implement programs and policies directed at
achieving zero waste, a comprehensive waste audit should be conducted, if possible using the recycling
and waste vendors as participants. This waste audit would be a structured and formal process to
quantify the types and amounts of waste being generated on the different campuses of UofL.
Waste Audit objectives will be:
1. to determine the baseline waste composition and quantify the various material streams in both
the garbage dumpsters and the single stream recycling dumpsters
2. to gauge the effectiveness of the campus community’s single stream recycling and waste
management habits
3. to identify opportunities to improve single stream recycling, waste management systems and
possible behavior change strategies
When completed, UofL will have an influential set of baseline data that will inform plan direction and
enhancements to waste reduction on all three campuses. This waste audit is a high priority relating to
other sustainability initiatives concerned with achieving zero waste.
Significant Actions
1. Obtain approval to conduct the waste audit
2. Designate a team to plan and assist with implementation
3. Conduct separate waste audits at all three campuses
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4. Produce an audit report for each set of dumpsters and associated buildings
5. Create a comprehensive audit report
6. Develop a more detailed reduction plan based on the results
Strategic Indicators
1.
2.
3.
4.
Completion of the three waste audits
Findings reviewed by Phase I Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee
Waste Audit Findings will be published to the University
Step-by-step plan developed
Initiative 2 – Create Zero Waste Policy
It is important to have the administrative commitment and the policy to back up the commitment to
move toward zero waste, energy efficiency, sustainability; whatever are the values or priorities of the
university.
A draft policy is included at the end of this plan for discussion and ultimately, administrative approval
and implementation.
Initiative 3 – Expand Reuse and Recycling
UofL will continue expanding recycling efforts. While the current single-stream recycling program is
effective, it can still be improved. The sustainability groups can work to create a renewed commitment
to recycling efforts as a part of the zero waste agenda. This will include additional strategies to
maximize the benefits of recycling and zero waste. Results from the waste audit will provide data that
will allow for focused improvements and guide decisions designed to improve the overall campus
diversion rate.
Significant Actions
1. Add materials collected as markets become available (polystyrene foam, for example)
2. Survey the recycling locations on all three campuses and ensure adequate opportunities are
available
3. Create more recycling opportunities at special events on campus or at athletic facilities (at
commencement, athletic events, and meetings)
4. Develop strategic relationships with local reuse/recycling entities
5. Engage UPDC to write a C&D Debris waste plan
6. Develop a marketing and communication plan to support efforts.
Strategic Indicators
1.
2.
3.
4.
19
New recycling streams will be collected
New recycling containers will be added if necessary
Recycling containers will be available at all athletic events and special events on campus
Revenues for recyclables will increase
Materials & Waste Reduction Strategic Plan
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5. A C&D debris reduction plan will be developed and managed
6. A marketing and communications plan with educational materials will be developed and
promoted
Initiative 4 – Expand Composting
UofL will expand composting efforts to the extent that is possible. In order to get the maximum benefit from
this valuable resource, UofL will develop programs to ensure that as much compostable material as possible is
being removed from the “waste” stream at all three campuses. Not only does this increase the diversion rate,
but the use of compost in the landscaping serves to improve the overall sustainability efforts of the university.
Strategic Actions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Increase pre-consumer food waste collection throughout all dining facilities
Increase post-consumer food waste collection at dining facilities
Collaborate with Sodexo to increase compostable products line
Develop communications and marketing materials and plan to promote composting
Promote volunteer composting through Eco-Reps as a way to educate the campus community
about the entire composting process
Strategic Indicators
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
All pre-consumer food waste generated on all three campuses will be composted
All post-consumer food waste generated on all three campuses will be composted
Compostable products will be purchased by Sodexo, eliminating polystyrene foam containers
Communications and marketing plan will developed and promoted
Track increase in volunteer composting through Eco-Reps
Initiative 5 – Investigate the benefit of a Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator
UofL will conduct research on universities leading the efforts in zero waste planning and programs and
evaluate the benefits of a Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator. Conduct research solid waste or
recycling coordinators at other colleges and universities that do not have a zero waste goal. It is
relatively intuitive that having someone dedicated to focus on solid waste reduction and recycling
should increase the possibility of reaching the zero waste goal.
According to UCLA’s 2012 Zero Waste Plan, the university hired a full-time recycling coordinator in
2008 and has experienced a steady increase in the institution’s diversion rate in addition to a decrease
in landfill waste and overall non-construction related waste (UCLA Zero Waste Plan, p.6).
Initiative 6 – Create Consistent Messaging, Branding and Infrastructure
UofL will review the current messaging, branding and recycling/garbage infrastructure (collection
containers and collection points) around all three campuses. Inconsistent messaging, branding and
infrastructure can cause confusion and lead to recyclables going into the trash and trash going into the
recycling.
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Strategic Actions
1. Assess the different messaging and branding of recycling and discardable items
2. Assess the recycling & garbage infrastructure on all three campuses and record all the different
types of containers
Strategic Initiatives
1. All messaging and branding of recycling and garbage is consistent
2. All the recycling & garbage infrastructure on all three campuses is consistent
Initiative 7 – Encourage Campus Engagement
UofL will encourage support through education, outreach and campus community engagement. These
areas of focus are critical to achieving the new diversion rate goals. The continuous development of
new waste reduction and diversion programs will ensure participation in the zero waste commitment
as Sustain Louisville strives to lead Metro Louisville toward a zero waste goal.
Strategic Actions
1. Develop tracking process and ways to track sustainability data regarding waste and report
results to the campus community and Louisville Metro.
2. Identify policies that need to be changed or developed to support zero waste
3. Develop a comprehensive education and outreach plan to engage administrators, faculty, staff,
and students
4. Develop a green events plan for the campus community to include pilot zero waste events
5. Encourage paperless offices as technologies advance and become available
6. Promote the Eco-Reps organization as a way to get involved in sustainability and education
efforts surrounding waste or materials at UofL
Strategic Initiatives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Better tracking and reporting mechanisms will be in place regarding materials discarded
Policies will be developed or changed to support zero waste
The campus community will be actively engaged and involved in zero waste efforts
Green events plan will be developed and implemented campus-wide
Paperless office will be achieved
Education, Engagement and Behavior Change
The University of Louisville continues to build a sustainable community in which all community
members are educated in these sustainability principles. Sustainable practices also extend outside the
campus via community outreach efforts where sustainability initiatives and outreach efforts are
communicated. Numerous workshops are offered annually on topics ranging from sustainability,
renewable energy, energy efficiency to green jobs and a green economy.
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UofL students blend into the community and provide leadership in the local sustainability movement.
As students are educated, they take their sustainability knowledge to their family, friends, roommates,
and hometowns. They are educated as leaders of tomorrow. Faculty, staff and administrators serve in
the Louisville Community, frequently speaking on sustainability and collaborating with other
sustainability groups in the City and surrounding area. The sustainability website
www.louisville.edu/sustainability is a resource listing for green events, sustainability initiatives and
collaborations, video resources and stories. As an educational institution, we want to share how
sustainability improved the university and how it can benefit others in the community as we strive to
make Louisville a green city.
Behavior change is an important part of sustainability. Awareness and education is a single part, but
we must ask people to change their behavior to be more sustainable at work, school and home.
Behavior change does not have to be revolutionary, it can start with one or two things and additional
behavior change can continue incrementally. With respect to zero waste, anyone can change behavior,
like recycling, considering packaging, buying in bulk, not using disposable products or similar behaviors.
Opportunities and Challenges
University Commitments
UofL’s administration has made commitments to sustainability in multiple ways. There has been a
commitment to the Partnership for a Green City as one of the founding partners in 2004. A position
was created as the Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives in 2009, setting the stage for
achieving sustainability goals and objectives. The Sustainability Council was created patterned after
the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability,
Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) format with Operations; Administration, Finance &
Outreach; and Education and Research committees working to weave sustainability into the very fabric
of the university. Opportunities abound as the university continues working toward the zero waste
goal by 2020. As this proceeds, appropriate Sustainability Council members, committees, and
stakeholders will be identified to collaborate in an effort to maximize expertise when allocating
resources to the zero waste initiative. While there are no enforcement rules or penalties with the
goals surrounding zero waste and the 2020 goal, it will become the responsibility of the whole Cardinal
community to engage and ensure that the interim and final goals are appropriately managed and
completed.
Financial Commitments
Financial resources available to UofL have been stressed with a decreasing state appropriation and an
economic malaise with the U.S. economy. The university has endured 13 budget cuts in 12 years.
Because of this, administrators have taken great care in allocating funds to processes most important
to the university as a system. This is a further illustration of the university’s commitment to
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sustainability and the zero waste 2020 goal. As UofL accomplishes the tasks of the zero waste process,
the financial benefits will be evaluated each step of the way. Zero waste strategies have been adopted
by a relatively few colleges and universities, but by a wider group of industries and municipalities.
These goals resulted in increased profits or fiscal responsibility resulting from cost savings, improved
environmental performance, and stronger local economies. Zero waste initiatives support all
dimensions of sustainability: a healthy environment, a healthy society, and a healthy economy.
Transparency in Data Reporting
Similar to sustainability, zero waste is an ambiguous term and a leap ahead of current campus
processes. The interdisciplinary involvement throughout the university is integral to the success that
UofL will track. Data collection will be managed by Physical Plant and the Office of Sustainability and
made available to faculty and students for education and research. Through the transparency of the
sustainability initiatives, including zero waste 2020, UofL will further educate our campus community
and Louisville Metro.
Path to Zero Waste
The path to zero waste includes improvements on the ways we handle our materials, our purchasing
and our discards. Suggested ways to improve the ways UofL administrators, faculty staff and students
are doing things or new ways to decrease waste disposal are included in the following sections.
Increase Single Stream Recycling
UofL should create a campaign to increase single stream recycling on campus, detailing the benefits of
recycling and moving the university toward zero waste. UofL administrators, faculty and staff have a
stake in managing their discards since they work here and want to keep their space clean. Students
paying tuition may have another perspective (or be apathetic) about where they discard their garbage
or recyclables. We need to create a sustainable mindset in our students so they take that out in the
world after graduation as they enter the workforce and become community leaders here, in Kentucky,
the nation and abroad. There is no reason that we cannot increase our recycling rate to 100% of
recyclables.
Increase Battery Recycling
Market and communicate battery recycling across campus – possibly finding locations that would be
good for drop off locations in high use buildings. Five-gallon buckets with the battery recycling
messages could be strategically placed for use by administrators, faculty, staff and students.
Consistent branding and messaging on the containers would specify what batteries are acceptable and
those that are not. Green Tips should remind people to recycle both rechargeable and dry cell (single
use) batteries. We should strive to recycle 100% of our batteries.
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UofL should also provide instructions on the recycling of the liquid filled batteries that are not
acceptable in the battery recycling containers.
Increase Recycling/Reuse of Laboratory Chemicals
Market and communicate the Chem Cycle Program to all UofL Faculty, Staff and Students in the
research and teaching labs in an effort to increase the recycling and reuse of lab chemicals. Promote
FREE CHEMICALS! University departments can view chemical items currently in the Chem Cycle
program(link http://louisville.edu/dehs/waste/redistribution.html) If you see a chemical on the list you
can use, e-mail the Hazardous Waste Coordinator at cathy.price@louisville.edu and DEHS will deliver
the chemical to your lab free of charge. This is an excellent service that is underutilized. If we could
recycle 50 – 75% of our unused chemicals over the next five years with a goal of recycling 100% of
unused chemicals by the year 2020, we would be a leading university with respect to chemical reuse
and redistribution.
A part of this program would also educate those purchasing in the labs to purchase only what is
needed. Sales people can offer great deals on multiple chemical containers, but how much of a deal is
it if you are not able to use it?
Increase Recycling of Electronic Waste
UofL should remind Tier I’s and Unit Business Managers, as well as the rest of the campus community,
of the need to recycle used electronic equipment. The university should capture 100% of the
electronics stream for electronics recycling.
Increase Lighting or Spent Lamps (Bulbs) Recycling
UofL has recycled lamps and ballasts for decades. Fluorescent light tubes, halogens, compact
fluorescent lamps (CFL) circular and u-shaped fluorescent lamps, high intensity discharge (HID),
mercury vapor and UV lamps should all be recycled rather than throwing them in the garbage.
Incandescent bulbs may be discarded in the regular trash as they have no heavy metal or chemical gas
components. We should be able to recycle 100% of our spent fluorescent tubes and CFLs.
IMPORTANT: Broken lamps should be immediately contained (i.e. in a closed box or bag) and
separated from unbroken lamps. A pick up request should be submitted to the Environmental Health &
Safety’s Hazardous Waste Coordinator on-line form at http://louisville.edu/dehs/waste/disposal.
Questions or comments about this program can be directed to the U of L – Physical Plant Zone
Maintenance Department at 852-8182 or Environmental Health & Safety at 852-6670.
Increase Recycling of Cell Phones
If UofL employees or students are not trading in their cell phones when updating their mobile
technology, they should donate their old technology items to the UofL IT Department.
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The Verizon Wireless Hopeline Project refurbishes phones will be donated to victims of domestic
abuse for use as a direct link to emergency services. Phones that are not refurbished will be
recycled. Cell phones can be donated at the iTech Xpress Store in the basement of the Miller
Information Technology Center (MITC) on Belknap Campus. We can increase the amount of cell
phones recycled and help someone who needs security with a usable cell phone. People on the HSC
and Shelbyhurst Campuses can collect phones and make arrangements with the Sustainability
personnel or IT personnel to get the phones to MITC.
Increase Composting
UofL is composting in a variety of ways. The Physical Plant Grounds Crew composts all the typical yard
wastes that are generated through the care of the university grounds. Sodexo, the university’s food
service contractor is also extremely active composting pre-food-service “waste” as food is prepared in
the various campus eateries. At the Ville Grille, all pre and post food service “waste” is collected and
composted, including items typically not thought of as compostable. Certain office buildings are also
composting. At the Urban Studies Institute, the building occupants have a compost bin to create
compost for the gardens behind the building. Similarly, Garden Commons composts gardening
materials behind the greenhouses and Professor Brian Barnes works with student volunteers and EcoReps to compost materials from other buildings on the Belknap campus.
The goal for composting should be 100%, but capturing food waste in buildings other than the food
service areas could prove difficult. Once we know what our waste stream is, we can better estimate
the compostables, with the desire to compost as close to 100% as possible.
Increase Toner Cartridge and Ink Jet Recycling
Most of the toner cartridges that are purchased at the university have return labels in order to return
spent cartridges to the manufacturer or toner cartridge recycler. In 2012, 3374 toner cartridges were
recycled through Clover Technologies. The university is also working through the Partnership for a
Green City on a Recycling Contract for toner cartridges which are not providing a prepaid return label
for recycling or the ink jet cartridge recycling. We should be recycling 100% of our cartridges and ink
jets.
Increase Surplus Sale/Swap – X-Change
Surplus furniture and office equipment is returned to Surplus for repurposing around the university
within other offices. The goal should be to surplus 100% of usable office furniture, equipment and
other items to divert this from the landfill.
Some universities, including UofL, have a Craig’s List type service that advertises surplus property free
of charge. The old adage that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure holds true. Rather than
create greenhouse gas emissions twice by moving something to surplus, advertise what is available on
line and move it once to the department that wants it. It would advertise everything from small items
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like chairs or lamps up to desks, filing cabinets and electronic equipment. Save money and pollution by
repurposing instead of buying new items.
Students, University Housing and the Sustainability Council should engage everyone on campus who
may have something that would benefit the Free Store. The goal here would be to divert 100% of
student waste as they move in and move out of the university housing.
Increase Green Purchasing/Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
UofL has an active Green Purchasing program with a Green Purchasing Policy. The policy is found at
http://louisville.edu/purchasing/sustainability/greenpolicy.html
The Sustainability Council and the Operations Committee should work with Contracts Administration
and Procurement Services to focus on green purchasing or environmentally preferable purchasing
considering the environment, as well as the economic stewardship of a public university, when
purchasing goods and services for UofL. The Environmental Protection Agency touts EPP on its web site
at http://www.epa.gov/epp/ . The site provides useful information on how to expand EPP options at
all types of organizations.
Increase Recycling within Dining/Catering
The University and Sodexo do an admirable job in the recycling operations on the kitchen side. The
student side, however, could be improved. In the dining areas, if we want to promote recycling, the
largest containers for discarding meal wastes should be recycling containers, with composting
containers available for food waste disposal. The majority of the fast food options include paper
waste, pressed cardstock containers or corrugated cardboard. Students will do the right thing if they
are made more aware of their options or directed toward recycling instead of throwing things in the
trash.
The Sustainability Council and the Operations Committee should work to create an atmosphere in the
dining areas where recycling is the expectation. Consistent containers are important as well as hanging
posters about what is recyclable, what is compostable and what is actually trash.
An admirable goal in dining would be to have 75 – 80 % of the dining waste stream recycled by 2016
with 100% recycled by 2020.
Further Reduce Disposables
Increase the marketing and communication promoting people bringing in coffee mugs or reusable
drinking cups or reusable water bottles if people drink coffee, tea, soda or water at their desks. Find
partners like the Louisville Water Company that may be able to provide reusable water bottles and
work with dining facilities to provide incentives for using your own reusable drinking mug or cup.
Work with Purchasing and Central Stores to decrease the disposable materials available for order.
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Further to Reduce Junk Mail
Continue promoting the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS) for
employees to opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail at work from many national companies
for five years. However, registration will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use the
DMA's Mail Preference Service. To register with DMA's Mail Preference Service, go to
www.dmachoice.org . Otherwise, contact the organization to stop mailings and remember to recycle
the junk mail that is received, including catalogs.
Increase Participation in Community Supported Agriculture/Farmer’s Markets
The local food options, Farmer’s Markets and CSAs available at UofL are of interest to a number of
Faculty, Staff, Students and Administrators. The Root Mobile coming to campus has intrigued students
and employees on the north end of campus. As the campus community population increases with
much housing having kitchens, we should be working with University Housing to promote CSAs and
Farmer’s Markets. Green Events with local food including farmers, vendors and chefs could extol the
benefits of buying local – both the health of those who eat it and the local and regional economy
where we buy it.
Increase Ways for Paint Reuse
Paint use could be addressed (and is addressed by some Universities) by limiting the color choices to
15 - 20 stock colors for customers to choose from. If it is not in those 15 - 20, you cannot choose
it. That way the inventory is kept low and we don’t have paint to dispose of. This would also allow
paint to be purchased in bulk rather than in quart or gallon containers. The majority of paint could be
purchased in 5-gallon buckets and possibly larger totes or drums.
Another way to approach this would be to allow people to purchase the paint in the off specified colors
(in quarts or gallons) with the caveat that the paint crew will continue painting until the paint is used
up. This will result in additional labor charges, but that is the “cost” of going against the limited color
palate.
Increase Construction & Demolition Diversion
The Sustainability Council and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee should work
with the Operations Committee and University Planning, Design, and Construction (UPDC) to ensure
we are diverting 100% of our C&D waste from the landfill.
Increase Metals Recycling
The Sustainability Council and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee should work
with the Operations Committee, Physical Plant and UPDC to ensure we are diverting 100% of our
recyclable metals from the landfill.
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Increase Print Sharing
The Sustainability Council and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee should work
with Information Technology and the Tier I’s across the university to increase print sharing with Xerox
copier, printers and scanners and discourage desktop printers. Exceptions could be made for areas
where confidentiality is paramount such as Legal Counsel or other such units.
As a budget cutting idea, the idea was raised to “tax” individual printers and print supplies in an effort
to dissuade their use. Not only do they tend to allow people to waste paper, they are also left on all
the time, leading to an increased waste of energy. Personal printers also rarely allow for duplexing,
which is not the preferable setting.
Numerous colleges and universities across the country have simply outlawed desk-top printers and
networked all employees to the print-shared network multiplex units. That would be the most
sustainable way for the university to go.
Increase Use of Reusable Serving Containers
Reusable coffee cups/containers are encouraged at the various coffee shops on campus for use instead
of disposable cups. Water bottle filling stations are being installed on water fountains around the
three campuses and reusable water bottles are encouraged rather than using the single use plastic
water bottles.
New Ideas
While UofL has ventured into a number of areas with respect to zero waste, there are a number of
areas where we could still improve. The following ideas may provide additional initiatives to further
our zero waste goals.
Event Waste Diversion
One thing that UofL has not gone past the investigation phase in is green events on campus or at
athletics events. A group or two could be tasked with planning Green Meetings, Green Receptions and
Conferences, Green Commencement, Other Green Student events and Green Athletic events at all
UofL Athletic facilities including Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the KFC YUM! Center. The goal
should be to have 100% zero waste events at all university functions.
Many universities promote Green Game Days as a way to promote their sustainability
initiatives to a broader portion of the community that may not frequent other areas of
campus. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in the Atlantic Coast Conference is a
leader among this movement. As UofL transitions to the ACC, the inclusion of Athletics in
sustainability initiatives should be an essential effort.
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Packaging Reduction
The Sustainability Council and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee should work
with the Operations Committee and Contract Administration and Procurement services to figure out
ways to decrease the packaging waste we see at UofL. One instance could be paper. When we
purchase a carton of paper, we receive 10 reams of paper (500 sheets) wrapped in paper. Our
question is why wrap the paper at all? Why not just place 2500 sheets in a returnable cardboard or
plastic box?
Why are materials and supplies shipped into the university in cardboard boxes that are then thrown
away or recycled? Why not require our vendors to use returnable shipping containers similar to the
ones used by the major big box stores?
With a sizable purchasing consortium through the Partnership for a Green City, we should be able to
procure things the way we desire, minimizing packaging waste and rethinking the way to order. This is
source reduction in a pure sense, minimizing waste at the source so there is nothing to discard.
Think Before You Ink – DUPLEX
A number of universities have similar programs to this where all university printing is set to default by
duplexing copies (copying on both sides of the paper). The Sustainability Council and the Phase II
Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee should work with Information Technology and the Tier I’s
across the university to increase default duplexing on Xerox copier, printers and scanners as well as
other network copiers. This could make a huge dent in the amount of paper purchased and used in
offices.
Paperless Systems
Besides copying on both sides of the paper, why do some things need to be printed at all? UofL has
electronic course directories, course catalogs, course schedules and the like all available on line. For
the past 5 – 10 years, employee W-2 forms have been available on line. The President and Provost’s
offices have moved to paperless invitations, saving printing and mailing costs. What else can UofL
make electronically available instead of printing it? It would be an excellent opportunity for the
Administration, Finance and Outreach Committee to work with the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste
Reduction Committee to examine paperless opportunities at UofL and make recommendations on how
to proceed.
Bike (Re)cycling
Each year a number of bicycles are abandoned on campus and collected by Parking and the
Sustainability Office. Some of the bikes have been placed into the Bike Sharing program at UofL.
Others can only be used for parts. It would be interesting to see what student and employee interest
would be if we took the bikes that are “parts only” models and made them available to a limited
number of people chosen by a lottery (if we received great response). If it was successful, it could be
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an annual event where interested participants could get free bicycle parts or bikes for repair. UCLA has
a similar program in which over 300 people showed up, hoping to be one of the 80 people who would
ultimately leave with a bike or bike parts. This is a way to divert 100% of the bikes left behind between
Bike Sharing and Bike (Re)cycling.
Create Maps Indicating Recycling & Trash Locations
The suggestion was made at one of the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction Committee that the
university create maps that indicate what can be deposited where to be recycled or ultimately
disposed of as trash. People may not notice the difference between a trash dumpster and a recycling
dumpster. People may not know where to place spent fluorescent bulbs or CFLs, rechargeable
batteries or alkaline batteries. Why not work with the Computer Engineering students to see who can
create the best App? The saying goes, there’s an app for that!
Communications & Outreach
There are multiple opportunities for meeting Administrators, Faculty, Staff and Students to promote
our zero waste goal and its benefits.
Orientation Sessions
As new people at all levels join the university, we should meet them and discuss our sustainability
values and norms with them. We are doing this with New Employee Orientation, but could improve
the way we meet our new Faculty and Students. Our goal would be to be on the agenda of each and
every orientation session at UofL to discuss our commitment to sustainability and our goal for zero
waste by 2020.
Lunch & Learn Sessions
UofL Professional Development offered through Human Resources provides a robust professional
development catalog for continuing education of employees at all levels. A possible more informal
way to meet people where they are is to take the show on the road with a 20 or 30-minute lunch &
learn on a variety of sustainability topics. Chief among them could be Zero Waste 2020; Composting
101; Single Stream Recycling 101; What Phantom Load is Wasting Energy in Your Office?; Climate
Instability 101 and Adaptation, Combating the Urban Heat Island Effect; and many more. With the
Sustainability Office and Council, Eco-Reps, Partnership for a Green City, we could accomplish a great
deal of sustainability education without overburdening one or two people.
Green Guide for Students
The Sustainability Council or one of its committees may examine the need for a Green Guide for all
UofL students. Maybe it is an online guide or a smart phone app that covers all aspects of
sustainability including recycling, composting and what exactly is trash. Maybe a student interested in
sustainability could work with one of the sustainability initiatives as an intern to complete the green
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guide as a part of an undergraduate or graduate course. This would be a nice way to make students
aware of sustainability norms and expectations at UofL.
Green Office Program
The Sustainability Council or one of its committees may examine the need for a Green Office Program
for all UofL Administrators, Faculty and Staff. This ideally on line guide would promote the virtues of
operating offices in a more sustainable manner. The group could seek out other green office programs
in businesses and universities across the country and with a group like Eco-Reps, there may be people
available to “certify” green offices, recognizing units or departments that adopt sustainability tenets
and live by them.
Applied Sustainability Research – Sustainability Scholars Roundtable
A number of faculty and students are working on sustainability-related research. Professor Tony
Arnold is working to capture the various facets in the Sustainability. Whether it is zero waste or
another sustainability initiative, how can we increase the applied research in sustainability? How can
we best coordinate research opportunities that could benefit the university’s goals and sustainability
efforts while also benefiting student needs and the community? Maybe the Education & Research
Committee of the Sustainability Council can brainstorm this more to see if there is a way to increase
both course work and research in sustainability.
Draft Zero Waste Policy
Zero Waste Policy – A Sustainability Policy
Subject: Waste Reduction and Recycling
Responsible for Review of this Policy: Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives, The
Sustainability Council, the Operations Committee and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction
Committee
Related University Policies: Talloires Declaration, American College & University President’s Climate
Commitment, Green Purchasing Policy and Climate Action Plan
Scope
This policy applies to all University campuses and departments.
I.
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Policy Statement
Consistent with the University of Louisville’s goal to “Expand our efficiency and sustainability
initiatives to achieve the highest STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of
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Sustainability in Higher Education” and to facilitate implementation of our existing
sustainability policies, the purpose of this policy is to protect and restore our environment by
managing material flows through the university and manage waste/recycling processes that:
improve energy, water and material efficiency; utilize renewable materials; enable the
university to attain carbon-neutrality as detailed in the Climate Action Plan or net positive
renewable energy production; eliminate waste, especially hazardous materials; enhance the
physical campus environment on all three campuses; and protect and enhance the health of the
university community.
II.
Definitions
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris – C&D debris include, at a minimum: building
components and structures (wall studs, insulation, doors, windows), panels, attached finishes
(drywall, trim, ceiling panels), carpet and other flooring materials, adhesives, sealants, paints
and coatings. Not included in this definition are furniture, fixtures and equipment, mechanical,
electrical or plumbing components, or specialty items such as elevators.
Durable Goods – Durable goods include, but are not limited to: office equipment (computers,
monitors, copiers, printers, facsimile [fax] machines); appliances (refrigerators, microwaves,
dishwashers, ice machines, water coolers, coffee machines); external power adapters,
televisions and other audiovisual equipment.
Source Reduction – Source reduction reduces the amount of unnecessary material brought to
campus, for example: disposable products (like polystyrene foam cups and serving containers,
plastic utensils, plastic cups, etc.), excess product packaging such as plastic or paper wrap,
cardboard shipping containers, or single-use water bottles.
US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental (LEED) Standard – is a
Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization committed to promoting cost-efficient and
energy saving green buildings through the LEED green building certification program. LEED is a
voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for buildings designed, constructed and
operated for improved environmental and human health performance, addressing all building
types, and emphasizing state-of-the-art strategies in: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Waste: is comprised by all materials that flow from each campus to final disposal. Examples
include paper, yard waste, food scraps, plastics, metals and the like. In LEED, waste refers to all
materials that are capable of being diverted from campus buildings’ waste stream through
waste reduction.
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Waste Diversion: is a management activity that disposes of waste other than through
incineration or landfilling. Examples include reuse and recycling.
Waste Reduction: includes source reduction and waste reduction through reuse and recycling.
III.
Policy
UofL will conduct and contract waste management to be consistent (at a minimum) with the
requirements of the USGBC LEED Standards , as summarized below; and shall strive for zero
waste sent to landfills in or around Louisville Metro.
By June 30, 2014, the Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives and the Sustainability
Council, in collaboration with the Vice President of Business Affairs, Procurement and Contract
Services, along with the Phase II Recycling /Solid Waste Reduction Committee, shall develop a
plan for achieving zero waste by 2020 , including interim benchmarks for:
 Reducing waste at the source
 Increasing recycling rates
 Diverting waste toward reuse and composting
 Other waste reduction strategies as they are identified
The zero waste plan shall require an annual waste stream audit; designate staff responsible for
implementing the plan; describe tracking and review procedures for monitoring the plan; and
include deadlines for achieving the following goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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Reuse, recycle or compost 50% of ongoing consumables (by weight or volume)
Reuse, recycle or compost 75% of ongoing consumables (by weight or volume)
Reuse, recycle or compost 100% of ongoing consumables (by weight or volume)
Reuse or recycle 75% of durable goods waste stream (by weight, volume or replacement
value)
Reuse or recycle 100% of durable goods waste stream (by weight, volume or
replacement value)
Divert 70% of construction & demolition debris (by volume) from landfill
Divert 100% of construction & demolition debris (by volume) from landfill
Recycle 100% of mercury containing lamps
Divert 80% of discarded batteries from trash, including single-use and or rechargeable
batteries used in radios, phones, cameras, computers and other dry-cell types of
batteries
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10. Divert 100% of discarded batteries from trash, including single-use and or rechargeable
batteries used in radios, phones, cameras, computers and other dry-cell types of
batteries
11. Anything missing??
IV.
Frequency of Review and Update
Any party affected by this policy may initiate a review and update at any time. The Assistant to
the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives and the Sustainability Council will initiate a review and
update not more than three years from the effective date, or date of the last review or update,
whichever is most recent.
Conclusion
Following the UofL Climate Action Plan, this Zero Waste Plan further refines the larger sustainability
strategic planning process that examines sustainability initiatives in operations; administration, finance
and outreach; and education and research. The plan is projected to be a guiding document that the
Sustainability Council, the Operations Committee and the Phase II Recycling/Solid Waste Reduction
Committee will update as the UofL community moves toward our zero waste goal.
We will face challenges as we move forward elevating how we address waste to new levels of
awareness and action. We are committed to transforming UofL into a zero waste campus by
implementing the ideas presented in this plan and consistently seeking new and innovative ways to do
more. This falls in line with our other sustainability initiatives and policies that are transforming UofL
into the leading university in Kentucky and the region. Each action we undertake will make us more
sustainable and better stewards of our environmental and financial resources.
The University of Louisville will continue to foster collaborative sustainability initiatives with other
local, regional and state stakeholders to fight climate instability, share our knowledge and mentor
other organizations on how to plan for zero waste, and make our region more resilient
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Glossary of Terms
Composting – is the biological decomposition of organic materials such as grass clippings, leaves, brush and food
waste into a soil amendment. Composting is a form of recycling.
Electronic Waste – is also known as E-waste and is the term applied to business and consumer electronic
equipment (most anything with a cord and plug) near or at the end of its useful life. Like sustainability and zero
waste, there is not one dominant definition for e-waste. It encompasses items such as computers, computer
peripherals, televisions, radios, stereo equipment, video cassette players/recorders, compact disk
players/recorders, calculators, some appliances, digital video players/recorders, telephones, answering
machines, video gaming systems, etc. For residents seeking to e-cycle items from home, MetroCall is 311 and
will gladly answer your questions.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing – is an up and coming term that refers to purchasing actions that
reduce waste at the front end of the purchasing process. Examples are buying goods with less packaging or
buying in bulk (or concentrate form), choosing products that will last longer and avoiding single-use or
disposable products. It can also include requiring reusable containers, purchasing paper reams without paper
wrapping, green purchasing policies, contract language and sustainability requirements for vendors, etc. It may
also limit choices to products with post-consumer recycled content or a limited inventory of pre-approved
products.
Grasscycling – is the practice of leaving clippings on the lawn while mowing rather than collecting them. Grass
clippings may also be composted as defined above.
Green Building – is the practice of constructing or renovating buildings that are designed, built, operated or
reused in an ecologically and resource efficient manner. Green buildings minimize impacts to the environment,
protect health and enhance productivity of occupants and use energy, water and other resources efficiently.
Green building includes salvaging building materials from building deconstruction or demolition for reuse in new
buildings and for recycling.
Integrated Waste Management – is the practice of managing discardable items or “waste” by multiple
techniques to achieve solid waste reduction goals. The techniques may include waste reduction, reuse
recycling, and composting.
Medical Waste – is waste that is produced or created as the result of clinical diagnosis or treatment, as well as
clinical research activities including both humans and animals. The waste should be designated as Biohazardous
waste and/or sharps waste including syringes, needles and other sharp items.
Mercury – is a toxic liquid metal that can cause nervous system damage anad birth defects. Liquid mercury that
is exposed to the ambient atmosphere evaporates at room temperature. If mercury is released or spilled, it
contaminates the air we breathe and may enter streams, rivers or the oceans contaminating fish and
invertebrates that people eat.
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Pollution Prevention (P2) – prevents all types of pollution to the land, air and water, and includes toxic materials
and solid waste.
Post-consumer Content – includes any product which has served its intended purpose with a business or a
consumer and has been discarded and subsequently recycled for use as a constituent in a new product.
Precycling – is an up and coming term that refers to actions like environmentally preferable purchasing decision
that reduce waste at the front end of the process. Examples are buying goods with less packaging or buying in
bulk (or concentrate form), choosing products that will last longer and avoiding single-use or disposable
products.
Recycling – is using a “waste” or pre-used material to manufacture a new product. Recycling is not waste
prevention because only waste can be recycled. If you are recycling, you have already created a waste. With
recycling, materials are collected, transported, cleaned and sorted, transformed and then remanufactured into a
product. Think of recycling a soda can back into a new soda can, or corrugated cardboard into new cardboard.
In order to complete the cycle or follow the chasing arrows, not only should people recycle, but make a
concerted effort to purchase goods made with post-consumer recycled content.
Reuse – is using an object or a material again, either for its original purpose or for a similar purpose, without
significantly alteraing the physical form of the object or material. Reuse is preferred to recycling because reuse
generally consumes less energy and resources than recycling.
Solid Waste – is referred to by most people as garbage, trash or refuse. It may be generated in residential
settings as well as commercial and industrial operations. It does not include materials from domestic sewage.
Source Reduction – is a part of the planning process on the front end that includes, but is not limited to,
reducing the use of non-recyclable materials, replacing disposable materials and products with reusable
materials and products, reducing packaging, reducing the amount of yard waste generated, incentivizing
decreased waste disposal (pay-as-you-throw) and increasing the efficiency of the use of paper, cardboard, glass,
metal, plastic and other materials.
USEPA defined source reduction as “the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials (including packages)
to reduce their amount or toxicity before they enter the municipal solid waste stream. Because it is intended to
reduce pollution and conserve resources, source reduction should not increase the net amount or toxicity of
wastes generated throughout the life of a product.
Sustainability – is most commonly defined by the Bruntland Committsion’s definition “meeting the needs of the
present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. ( Our
Common Future: The World Commission on Environment and Development, Brundtland, G (1987), Oxford:
Oxford University Press.)
Universal waste – the term was coined by USEPA to describe wastes that seemed to be universal in scope. They
are seemingly found everywhere. They include all types of batteries (except automotive batteries) fluorescent
tubes and other lamps, thermostats which contain mercury, and pesticides. Additional information from
Kentucky can be found at: http://waste.ky.gov/RLA/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/Universalwastefactsheet.pdf
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Waste – is defined as a material for which no use or reuse is intended.
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