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www.american.edu/zerowaste

Helen Lee, LEED GA Zero Waste Coordinator American University. www.american.edu/zerowaste. What We Will D iscuss Today. What is AU’s zero waste goal? How do we get to zero? Understand by auditing Steps AU has taken to get closer to Zero Waste Campus-wide organics collection

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www.american.edu/zerowaste

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  1. Helen Lee, LEED GA Zero Waste Coordinator American University www.american.edu/zerowaste

  2. What We Will Discuss Today • What is AU’s zero waste goal? • How do we get to zero? Understand by auditing • Steps AU has taken to get closer to Zero Waste • Campus-wide organics collection • Review our containers, placement & collection • Improving exterior collection • Housekeeping training • What else can we divert? • Next steps – “on our way to zero waste”

  3. What is Zero Waste? “Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discardedmaterials are designed to become resources for others to use.” Zero Waste Alliance International

  4. AU’s Commitment “The university shall strive to reach zero waste to landfill and incineration by 2020.” AU’s Zero Waste Policy: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2011196

  5. AU’s Sustainability Commitments • ACUPCC • Climate Neutrality by 2020

  6. Background • Located in Northwest Washington D.C. • 86 acre campus • 12,000 students (half undergrad, half grad) • 3700 – on campus students • 2700 staff/faculty • Total Population around 15,000 • No football stadium • No medical complex

  7. Background • President Neil Kerwin signed the Zero Waste Policy in January 2010 • Zero Waste Coordinator was hired 2012 • July 31, 2013, reuse, recycle compost 50% waste • December 2015, reduce solid waste by 10% and divert 90% from landfills and incineration • December 2020, reduce additional 10% and send zero waste to landfill and incineration

  8. How do we get to zero? What are we throwing away?

  9. Waste Audits

  10. Total Waste Summary for the Library(Recycling Bins + Landfill Bins)

  11. AU Waste Stream Organics 45% = Compostable • Chopsticks • Coffee Grounds • Food Waste • Napkins • Paper Towels • Soiled Cardboard • Tea Bags • Wet paper Recyclables 45% Recyclable • Metals • Plastics • Glass • Mixed Paper • Dry Cardboard • Paperboard 10% Landfill Trash  Chip Bags  Candy wrappers  Styrofoam www.american.edu/zerowaste

  12. Developing a Campus-wide Organic Waste Collection Program

  13. 45% of our waste Organic Waste • Carbon Containing • Anything once living!

  14. What is organic waste? • Once living? Organic! • Organic vs. Compost • Daily Pick-up • Green Biodegradable Liners • Lids

  15. FAQ & Lessons Learned • Will the bin smell? • Will there be pest problems? • Lids on containers?

  16. Internal Review of Infrastructure & Collection Methods Container Design Container Placement Quantity of Containers

  17. Dual Stream Separation • Downcycling of paper • Lost quality and value of material • Reduced rebates • Not exact weights

  18. Redesigning Waste Bins • Color Coded bins & liners • Bins need to educate and market the zero waste program • Different Lids to accommodate materials • Aesthetically Pleasing • Meet AU graphic requirements • Bins made out of recycled material • Durable and Recyclable

  19. Redesigned Containers

  20. Trash • Metal, Plastic, Glass • Paper Cardboard

  21. Improving Efficiency in Exterior Collection

  22. -$ Savings -Higher Rebates -Reduced Transportation Emissions -Accurate Weights -Inspect sorted materials on a daily basis

  23. Training

  24. How does waste travel? How do we reduce contamination? Purchasing Consumer Housekeeping Hauler Pest Control

  25. Essential to Train Housekeeping

  26. Waste Diversion COMMODITY WITH VALUE WASTE MATERIAL

  27. Next Steps • Reuse & Reduction – improve surplus management • Removal of all classroom containers with signage inside • Installation of collection system outside classroom facilities to encourage participation • Removal of all small desk-side bins in offices • Eliminate or replace 10% with alternatives • Work with manufacturers – go upstream • Sustainability language in contracts

  28. We are a very wasteful society • We need to change the culture, we need to educate our future leaders • Everyone has to play part, from manufacturer down to the consumer, from procurement to waste management.

  29. Connect with us! • zerowaste@american.edu • www.american.edu/zerowaste • Twitter.com/ZeroWasteAU • Facebook.com/ZeroWasteAU • Youtube.com/ZeroWasteAU • Pintrest.com/ZeroWasteAU

  30. Sorting inside Buildings

  31. Paper Towel Composting

  32. Food Waste Composting

  33. Scrap metal, Construction Waste, Yard Waste

  34. Clothing Donation

  35. Plastic Bag Collection

  36. E-Waste Recycling

  37. Other Recycling

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