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Waste Reduction & Recycling

In 2010, each person in the US generated an average of 4.43 lbs of waste per day, 1.51 lbs of which (34%) was recycled or composted (US EPA). Ideally, in the future we will divert (reuse, recycle, or compost) closer to 100% of our waste from landfills. Avoiding incineration or landfilling reduces environmental impacts such as methane emission and groundwater pollution, and encourages reuse of natural resources. PSU’s 2010 Climate Action Plan calls for a 25% reduction in solid waste generated on campus from 2008 levels. While recycling and composting waste certainly help reduce our impacts, and are preferable to landfilling, the best option is to produce less waste in the first place through consuming less, reusing items, and purchasing durable goods. Visit the PSU Recycles website for more information on waste reduction.

What PSU is doing to lessen our impact:

  • Partnership with Sequential Bio-fuels to recycle all waste cooking oil into bio-diesel.  Every gallon of waste cooking oil recycled into bio-diesel prevents 16 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released in to the atmosphere.

  • Reusable to-go containers offered in Viking Food Court. 

  • Food waste is collected for composting in all dining locations, including a post-consumer station in Viking Food Court.

  • Food waste in many department break-rooms is collected for composting. Compost drop-off locations map.

  • Toner cartridge recycling is offered across campus. 

  • Water Bottle Refilling Stations around campus allow users to easily refill their water bottles with filtered water, reducing waste associated with purchased throw-away plastic bottles.
  • The Sustainable Drinking Water Task Force, appointed by President Wiewel in 2011, and made up of PSU staff and students generated numerous recommendations for reducing bottled water use on campus. The recommendations are currently being implemented by the Campus Sustainability Office. Click here to read the task force report.

  • Styrofoam, miscellaneous plastics, plastic bags/film, batteries, and electronics are all collected for special recycling through the work order system.

  • Electronic waste is collected by a local company that ensures the waste is recycled (not landfilled), and employs people with disabilities.

  • The PSU Reuse Room redistributes donated office and school supplies for free to the campus community, and the Surplus Property Program redistributes reusable office and classroom furniture to PSU departments or the community. 

  • Chuck-it-for-Charity program collects reusable items from departing students each term and donates them to charitable organizations.

  • Cardboard and Styrofoam recycling collection receptacles are provided during student move-in, and the waste hauler provides extra pickups.

  • Tray-less dining in Victors Dining Hall reduces food waste by 25-30% per person.

  • A Limited number of course catalogs are printed, and free PDFs are available online. Course schedules and directories are not printed.

  • Infill of Peter Stott Athletic Field is made from over 150,000 recycled athletic shoes.

  • Commencement programs are printed on 100% post consumer recycled content paper,and speakers receive water in reusable, rather than disposable water bottles.