Keeping material use and waste generation under control at a campus as large as Cornell’s can be quite a challenge. Programs to decrease the need for new materials, to reuse what we already have, and to purchase environmentally appropriate new products help to reduce the overall amount of waste that is created. Composting and recycling programs provide valuable options for diverting waste that is generated away from landfills.

Agricultural Composting
Cornell’s Agricultural composting program has reduced the amount of waste Cornell sends to landfills annually by 3000 tons while producing a quality soil amendment product that can be used as an alternative to fertilizer. It is also a critical part of nutrient management for the Farm Services Department.

Food Scrap Composting
The Food Scrap Composting program at Cornell diverts 320 tons of cafeteria food scraps from landfills and adds them to the current agricultural composting system to create an even higher quality product.

Solid Waste Management
Cornell’s Solid Waste Management program promotes reduction and reuse of materials in addition to offering a comprehensive, convenient recycling program. Annually, we recycle 1000 tons of paper and paper products, 1600 computers, 10 tons of fluorescent light bulbs, 120 tons of tires, beverage containers, 700 tons of cardboard, 2 tons of batteries, and 350 tons of scrap steel. In addition, over 5000 gallons of waste oil are recycled.

Campus Life Dorm Sale
At the end of the spring semester as students are rushing to get off to their summer adventures collection sites are set up all around campus to gather items that are perfectly reusable but that may have otherwise been discarded. This effort to reduce unnecessary end of the year waste, raise money, and educate the public on reuse is carried out here and on other campuses as part of a larger national project called Dump and Run.

Recycled Paper Purchasing (coming soon)
All across Cornell departments are encouraged to use 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. Preferred supplier agreements with Unisource and Kinko’s help to promote recycled products. In 2003, purchases of 30% and 100% recycled paper combined accounted for over 50% of campus paper consumption.

Dining Hall Best Management Practices (coming soon)
The Dining Halls at Cornell are increasingly a strong part of the reduce, reuse, and recycle mentality. Aside from the food scrap composting which is detailed above, stations are also set up to collect recyclables as students are leaving the cafeterias and disposable containers for carry out food are made out of recyclable materials whenever possible. Harvest festivals and a locally grown produce kiosk begin to address some of the environmental impacts of food harvesting and distribution. Cornell Dining has made a commitment to increasing locally grown produce and is now working closely with a produce supplier to develop measurement data for that initiative.