This article explains the various waste reduction and diversion initiatives that Fitchburg State has implemented since 2008. These include removing straws from dining halls, diverting food waste to a local pig farmer, and single-stream recycling. In addition, signage with alarming food waste statistics has been placed near disposal areas in dining halls, with the intention of getting students to think about how much food they put on their plates, and how much of that food ends up being thrown away. The article cites the Commercial Food Waste Disposal Ban as an influencing factor for hanging the posters that encourage food waste reduction. “Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of waste that goes into the return area,” notes Phil Bowers, Director of Chartwells Dining Services at Fitchburg State.

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