In Fall 2014, Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Wheelock College and Wentworth Institute of Technology all partnered with Casella Resource Solutions on waste diversion improvements, including single-stream recycling and back-of-house food waste diversion. This article highlights the increased diversion rates and positive behavior change these colleges have experienced as a result of working with Casella on recycling and composting projects. “We have seen many early successes with both single-stream recycling and composting programs,” states Kristen Zapata, Operation Manager at Emmanuel College. “Comparing August – December 2014 to the same period in 2013, we have seen a 38% decrease in our solid waste tonnage, an 80% increase in our recycling rate and have diverted 30,000 pounds of food waste from landfills.”

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts has helpful resources and can provide technical assistance when starting or improving recycling and composting programs at colleges and institutions. Email RecyclingWorks or call (888) 254-5525 for more information.