Zero-Waste Initiative: Zero Waste Events


Students play a recycling relay game at Rock the Block, one of many Zero Waste Events. Each team had to correctly sort their bucket of waste into either recycling, composting,or trash. The winners were awarded candy!	Zero Waste volunteers, Carly Dew and Ana Cujar, watch over the recycle, compost, and trash bins at Rock the Block. They helped event attendees properly dispose of their waste.

Event Data

Refresh Yourself (February 15, 2013):

The zero waste team was very successful at Refresh Yourself. Throughout the 6-hour event, 19 volunteers were able to help recycle 5 bags of waste and compost another 13 bags! Only 4 bags of trash were generated at this event. .

Fall Fest (October 31, 2012):

An estimated 70% of waste was diverted from this event. It is also worth noting that the majority of waste produced throughout the day was candy wrappers. Zero waste is more difficult to achieve when many of the products we enjoy are packaged unsustainably. This shows the importance of a community working together to reach our campus sustainability goals!

Homecoming (September 29, 2012):

The zero waste team was incredibly successful at Homecoming. Throughout the campus events taking place, 11 volunteers we were able to help recycle 16 bags of waste and compost another 12.5 bags. Even more impressive, we only generated 2 bags of garbage! With 1,500 people visiting the beer tent, this is a great accomplishment.

Rock the Block (September 8, 2012):

8 volunteers helped properly compost and recycle waste from this event. Thanks to their help, we were able to divert 4 bins of recycling and 3 bins of composting from the landfill. Two bags of trash were still filled during this event.

Saint’s Stock (September 5, 2012):

At this event, we were able to fill 1 recycling bin and 1 composting bin, but unfortunately, 1 trashcan was also filled up during the 2 hour time period.

Move-In (August 23, 2012):

A large amount of trash tends to be generated during move-in, so the Zero Waste Team was present in full force. Here are some highlights from the event: For every 1 trash can that was filled during the event, 2 recycling and 2 composting bins were filled; 30 cubic yards of cardboard was recycled; and 18 large bags of Styrofoam were recycled through Treehuggers. Overall, we believe we were able to capture an estimated 80% of recyclable and compostable items on move-in day.

Hosting a Zero Waste Event

Are you hosting an event and would like to get involved in the zero waste initiative? Here are some action steps you can take to make your event a success!

Contact a Zero Waste Member for planning assistance
Request additional recycling and composting bins
Reduce paper use
Work with vendors to request use of compostable and recyclable products
Advertize "Zero Waste" and request volunteers

>More Information (pdf)