Santa Clara University

sustainability at scu

Recycling & Waste Diversion

In 2010, SCU disposed of 1,599 tons of waste, which includes 1,241 tons of landfill waste, 300 tons of recyclables, and 58 tons of compostable material. 

Containers, labels, and instructional signs have been replaced throughout campus to standardize the University's waste diversion system. Colors on signs and container labels: Recycling = Blue; Landfill waste = Red; Compost = Green.  

New initiatives include food waste composting and changes in our office desk-side recycling and waste processes. See Recycling & Waste on the Facilities website for more information.

 
  • external recycling binFrequently Asked Questions

    Do you have questions about recycling, composting, or waste at SCU? We've got answers. Visit our Recycling, Composting and Waste Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
  • plasticRecyclable Items

    In 2010, SCU disposed of 1,599 tons of waste, which includes 1,241 tons of landfill waste, 300 tons of recyclables, and 58 tons of compostable material. SCU recycles plastic, glass, metal (including tin cans), aluminum cans, mixed paper (including shoe boxes, magazines, junk mail, white/colored paper, and corrugated cardboard.
  • desksidebinWaste Diversion Systems

    Learn more about recycling and composting systems in campus offices, residence halls, large campus events, and more.

  • MS_3color_logo 140lcRead more about waste diversion at SCU

    Read about waste diversion efforts at Santa Clara University, featured in recent Sustainability Updates.

 
 

Special Events

  • wastecharWaste Characterization

    Waste Characterizations help SCU determine what we're throwing away. By knowing what the University is sending to the landfill to, it's possible to see where we need to improve or expand waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs. These characterizations will allow us to develop useful and interesting data on the waste stream that will allow us reduce landfill waste from the campus.
  • recyclemaniaRecycleMania

    SCU participated in RecycleMania 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

  • moveoutWaste reduction during move-out

    Learn about waste diversion efforts during campus move-out every June.