Zero Waste

American University is committed to strive for zero waste sent to landfill and incineration.

We're On Our Way to Zero Waste

In 2010, AU adopted a Zero Waste PolicyÌýfor reducing campus waste and diverting the university's waste stream from landfill. AU's waste management system aims to utilize renewable materials, enhance the campus environment, and protect the health of the University community. The Zero Waste team in Facilities Management tracks and audits waste metrics, develops strategies to improve sustainable purchasing, and engages with the community.

Sorting Guides

Review the sorting guides below to understand what items go into which waste bin on campus: Landfill, Compost (Organic Waste), and Mixed Recycling. Please note that American University follows Zero Waste DC's .Ìý

Selected
Landfill
Compost
Mixed Recycling
YES
Surgical and Latex Gloves
Disposable Face Masks
Styrofoam
Chip Bags
Candy Wrappers
Plastic Bags & Wrap
Plastic Cutlery
Condiment Packages
Straws
K-Cups
Waxy Paper Cups

NO
Recyclables
Compostable/Organic Items
Batteries
Lightbulbs
Electronics

YES
Food Waste
Meats
Cheeses
Wooden Stir Sticks
°Â´Ç´Ç»å±ð²ÔÌý°Õ´Ç´Ç³Ù³ó±è¾±³¦°ì²õ
Paper Towels &ÌýNapkins
Tissues
Soiled Paper & Cardboard
Pizza Boxes
Oil-StainedÌýPaper Bags
Paper Tea Bags
Coffee Grounds
Coffee Filters
Only when clearlyÌýlabeled as compostable:ÌýClamshell Containers, Cups, Lids, Straws, Cutlery

NO
Plastics
Cans
Glass
Clothes & Textiles
Wrappers

YES
Cans
Glass Bottles and Jars
Plastic Bottles
Plastic Solo Cups
Paper Cups
Yogurt and Margarine Tubs
Laundry Detergent Bottles
Shampoo Bottles
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum or Tin Pans
Plastic Clamshells
Coffee Cups, Sleeves &ÌýLids
Newspaper
Paperboard
Junk Mail
Catalogs/Magazines
Sticky NotesÌý

±·°¿Ìý
Heavily Soiled Items
Plastic Cutlery
Straws
Plastic Bags & Wraps
Clothes & Textiles
Items Labeled CompostableÌý
Items Containing Liquid
Items Smaller Than 2"x2"

Ìý

These items are collected in special bins placed across campus and should not be placed in the landfill, recycling, or organics bins.Ìý

Batteries – Battery recycling tubes are located in central areas in most buildings on campus. Look for tall clear tubes near entrances and exits.

Ink Cartridges – Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

Plastic Bags and Wraps (the plastic on things like paper towels and water bottle packages) – Recycling locations are in the Library, Mary Graydon Center, and Spring Valley Building.Ìý

Cell Phones - Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

E- Waste: Laptops, printers, and any other electronics – Faculty and staff, contact the Helpdesk. For students, E-Waste collection takes place in the fall and spring at special events.

Diversion Programs

  • All recyclables including paper, bottles, cans, and plastics can be recycled in one container called Mixed Recycling.
  • This single-bin process mirrors recycling programs in the DC region, and makes AU's recycling program more efficient.
  • Landfill and Compost are separate bins, and trash and compostable materials should be sorted intoÌýthose containers, respectively.ÌýÌý
  • AU's compost program has been up and running across campus since 2017. Bags that are too contaminated may be diverted to landfill, so we need the entire campus community to commit to properly sortingÌýwaste.Ìý
  • Food waste created while preparing food at the Terrace Dining Room (TDR) and coffee grounds from the Davenport Coffee Lounge and the Bridge Cafe are composted, along with organic waste in the orange bins across campus.
  • All compost is sent to the in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.Ìý
Certain items are collected in special bins across campus and should not be placed in the landfill, recycling, or compostÌýbins.Ìý

Batteries:ÌýBattery recycling tubes are located in central areas in most buildings on campus. Look for tall clear tubes near entrances and exits.

Ink Cartridges:ÌýRecycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Bender Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

Plastic Bags and Wraps:ÌýRecycling locations are in BenderÌýLibrary, Mary Graydon Center, and Spring Valley Building. Includes plastic wrapping on things like paper towels and water bottle packages.

Cell Phones:ÌýRecycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Bender Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

E-Waste:ÌýIncludes laptops, printers, and any other electronics. Faculty and staff should . Students can participate in periodic campus e-waste drives.Ìý

Furniture: Faculty and staff members looking to dispose ofÌýold or excess furniture shouldÌýcontact 2Fix. Students can donate dorm room items to the Zero Waste Club during Project Move Out at the end of spring semester.Ìý

Waste Sorting 101

The scoop on how to sort your waste on American University's campus. Learn how to properly manage your compost, recycling, and trash.

Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý

(@) • Instagram photos and videos

PLANNING A ZERO WASTE EVENT?

OurÌýGreen Event Guidelines offer tips and recommendations for planning a sustainable event.

Green Event Guidelines

NEED WASTE BINS?

To request waste bins for an event, email 2fix with the location, date and time, numberÌýof attendees, and if you are serving food.

Contact 2FIX

Waste Questions?

Reach out to the Office of Zero Waste in Facilities Management with any questions or concerns.

Contact Zero Waste