Waste Reduction on Campus and Beyond
Columbia strives toward zero waste through our comprehensive recycling program, including in-person recycling training called "Know Where to Throw," as well as the consistent expansion of compost collection in partnership with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and private carting companies. Waste management is a central tenet of Columbia's sustainability plan.
Recent News: Waste
CUIMC Undertakes Waste Management Audit to Quantify and Reduce Waste Generated Across Portfolio
Responsible Materials Management is one of the key commitments under Sustainable Columbia’s Plan 2030. Columbia has committed to matching New York City's zero waste goal by 2030, which will require all campuses to accurately quantify waste streams.
Living Net Zero Initiative Launches with Aim at Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Representatives from Columbia’s schools and departments across all campuses join collaborative initiative
Student Capstone “Reducing Scope 3 Emissions from Food Purchasing” Leads Columbia to Sign on to NYC Plant-Powered Challenge
Columbia Dining and the Office of Sustainability partnered with the Climate School’s Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development to offer a capstone project this fall semester as part of the program's senior Workshop in Sustainable Development course. The project explored ways of cutting Columbia's food-related emissions and led to Columbia’s participation in the New York City Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge.
We Recycle Columbia-owned Office Furniture
The ReUse Program is a network for exchanging University-owned office furniture and other items among colleagues. The program is a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, department administrators across campus, Columbia Community Service, and Facilities & Operations.