In the Spring 2023, multiple waste audits were conducted to examine the effects of office deskside trashcans towards the campus recycling rate in Holloway Hall, Fulton Hall, TETC, Perdue Hall, and Henson Hall. Student researchers and the Recycling Staff found that recyclable materials and an abundance of trash bags were entering the waste stream via office deskside trashcans in a 24-hour period.
Fulton Hall was the first building to pilot the Mini-Trashcans in individual office spaces during the Fall 2023 semester. After a couple of months, a waste audit was conducted to examine the effects of the Mini-Trashcan Program in Fulton Hall. The results showed fewer recyclable materials and less trash bags entering the waste stream via office waste. Please see attached figure.
Mini-Trashcans started to be implemented across campus to join the effort of increasing the campus recycling rate and minimizing waste generated. Holloway Hall was the second building on campus to implement the Mini-Trashcan Program in office spaces. A month after installation, a waste audit was conducted to examine the effects of the Mini-Trashcan Program in Holloway Hall. Those results also showed fewer recyclable materials and less trash bags entering the waste stream via office waste. Please see attached figure.
Devilbiss Hall, Guerrieri Student Union, Dining Services, Informational Technology, and Physical Plant buildings were also implemented with Mini-Trashcans this past winter. Maggs, TETC, Perdue Hall, and Henson Hall are planned to be installed this upcoming Summer.