Project Clearinghouse

Waste Collection bin

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

Helping to reach the 2020 Zero waste goal for the campus and Increasing waste diversion rates by capturing a higher percentage of compost and container recycling at Oaks Café.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Waste & Recycling
Project Status: 
Completed
Project End Date: 
05/26/2015
Campus Organization: 
Campus Dining
Project Location: 
On campus



Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Clint Jeffries
cjeffries@ucsc.edu
459-4310
Dining
Funding Sources: 
$2900.00 from Working Group grant

Project Description: 

We provided three new compartment collection bins which are similar to existing campus collection bins, which provides clearly marked receptacles for compost, recycling and trash together in one place at the Owl's Nest cafe. Customers will begin to see the same look throughout our retail facilities across campus and increase their recycling and compost habits. Consistent bins will contribute to less confusion for users discarding waste and a higher capture rate. Bins were installed Spring quarter of 2015.

Metrics for Success: 

Our goal was to capture more compost and divert additional recyclables from the landfill at the cafe location. Staff are reporting less co-mingling of compostables in the trash. They also report that students can more easily identify recyclable items. Staff report that they are actually emptying the recyclable and compost bins more frequently. If there were more of these throughout campus, Zero Waste would be achievable. This project was only possible through the grant funding provided by the Sustainability Office.

Result Categories: 
Behavior Change
Results: 

Clearly marked waste station is able to capture compost/recyclables and trash in one single unit.
Provides a clear concise method with signage for patrons at Oakes Cafe. This bin also keeps items in separate receptacles to prevent cross contamination. Visual signage will alert customers to correct collection bin within the Oaks Café dining space. Success will be shared via social media and interior café signs.