Zero Waste

Be a Hero - Aim for Zero

Kent State University is a single-stream campus, where different recyclable materials can be placed in the same recycling bin on campus. Everyone’s actions to recycle and minimize waste at Kent State University divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills, protect the environment, and conserve natural resources.

Resource recovery and materials management is fundamental in 1) reducing waste sent to landfills, 2) protecting the environment, and 3) conserving natural resources. While following the 3R’s users can make the most difference by first Reducing, then Reusing, and lastly Recycling.

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Kent State Zero Waste Hierarchy

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Kent State Recycling Landfill Guide 2020

EPA Save Energy by Recycling Widget

EPA used data from the iWARM model to create the Save Energy by Recycling web widget. This simplified, interactive widget allows you to choose a recyclable (aluminum can, glass bottle, plastic bottle, weekly magazine and a plastic grocery bag) and then choose an appliance (air conditioner, hair dryer, laptop computer and 60W equivalent compact fluorescent light bulb or CFL) to find out how long that appliance can be powered for by recycling the material chosen.

 

 

Changes in Recycling at Kent Campus Starting February 2020

  • Plastic BOTTLES & JUGS should be placed in our campus RECYCLING.
  • All plastic OTHER THAN bottles and jugs should be placed in the LANDFILL.
  • Paper cartons are also NOT recyclable.

Changes in recycling markets nationwide have impacted our campus recycling as they have our region. Only plastic bottles and jugs should be placed in recycling containers instead of previously accepted plastics labeled #1-#7. A “bottle” or “jug” is defined as a container with an opening or neck smaller than the body. Other items that should continue to be recycled include: paper and newspaper; cardboard and chipboard (ie cereal boxes); aluminum and steel cans; and glass bottles.

There is a shift away from using "plastics #1-#7" and instead the recycling industry is using the shape of the plastic containers to identify items for recycling or the landfill. There is also a shift from putting everything that might be recyclable into the bin, to putting only the specific items indicated on the recycling poster into the bin. While Kent State's recycling rate, 36%, is higher than both the national (25%) and state (29%) recycling rates, we know from campus waste audits that our recycling rate can be higher. The top three recyclables ending up in our trash are: 1) plastic bottles; 2) paper; and 3) cardboard.

Kent State Recycling Guide11x17

Kent State Landfill Guide11x17

KSU Paired Recycling & Landfill Guide 11x17

Residence Hall Recycling Guide 8.5x5.5

KSU Paired Recycling & Landfill Guide 916x916

KSU Paired Recycling & Landfill Guide 1600x900

NEW Recycling Changes 1600x900 digital screen

NEW changes in Recycling/Landfill Guide

OLD Recycling/Landfill Guide

SWANA Recycling Myths vs. Facts

Recycling Tips

Plastic Bottles and Jugs

Paper

To Go Cups

Pizza Boxes 

Metal

Plastic Bags

Electronics

Clothing, Furniture, Nonperishable Food

Campus recycling guidelines in the video below have changed. However the process of collecting recycling on campus and sorting at a Materials Recovery Facility remains the same.

 

 

 

 

Kent State University Waste and Recycling Form

What are your ideas on how to reduce waste and improve recycling on campus? Share your ideas below.