CEC students participated in a West Campus Cleanup in 2024. The goal with zero waste is to make it so there is no waste to clean!
Zero Waste at UT Austin
Zero Waste is defined as the reduction of solid waste to nothing, or as close to nothing as possible. On campus, this means rethinking our events, dorm life, classrooms, and dining halls to not send any trash to the landfill.
UT Austin has a goal to reduce 90% of waste being sent to the landfill. This goal requires collaboration from all parts of campus, and is led by Resource Recovery. Partners include Texas Athletics, Housing and Dining, Surplus Property, and the Office of Sustainability.
Current Diversion Rate: The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year diversion rate for campus is 31%.
Explore this page to learn more about what is being done and what you can do to get our campus to zero waste!
What students can do
- Get your Zero Waste Hero Certification
- Make your events Zero Waste with Green Events
- Intern with Resource Recovery
- Know how to properly dispose of items
- Volunteer with Trash to Treasure
- Attend an upcycling workshop with the CEC
- Compost with the Microfarm
- Dispose of batteries correctly
- Volunteer with UT Farm Stand to bring waste-free groceries to campus
What staff and faculty can do
- Make your events Zero Waste with Resource Recovery
- Zero Waste your workplace!
- Repurpose unneeded items and buy new ones with Surplus Property
- Invite Resource Recovery for a Zero Waste Presentation for your office, class, floor, or group
- Post "Correct Disposal" signage in your office or hallway
- Green your lab with Green Labs!
- Get your office Green Office Certified
- Know how to properly dispose of items
- Compost with the Microfarm
- Dispose of batteries correctly
Know Where to Throw Tool
Twenty-one percent of material recycled at UT is contaminated and must take a longer, more costly route to the landfill. Use the tool below to know how to properly dispose of items!