Cornell University
OP-18: Waste Diversion

Recycling efforts have a longstanding tradition at Cornell University, and are continuing to grow. In July of 2010 the recycling operation, historically a function of the Grounds Department, became an independent unit in Facilities Operations. This newly minted department is “R5 Operations;” the five R's representing Respect, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. R5 Operations oversees the recycle streams for paper, cardboard, glass, tin, plastic, toners and ink cartridges, CD’s, computers and electronics, waste oil, scrap metal, wood, tires, and refrigerated units. R5 Operations is also working to improve reuse efforts for office supplies, furniture, and other items. A core purpose for R5 Operations is a commitment to community engagement. In the 2010-2011 academic year they had a presence at new student orientations, hosted an open house, facilitated Cornell’s first year of participation in Recyclemania, celebrated America Recycles Day, hosted a confidential paper shredding event, hosted an electronic scrap collection event, and tabled a number of events. Teaming with departments is a key to growing success. Cornell’s Building Care and R5 Operations are currently working jointly to transition the campus to a single stream recycling system. This past fall Cornell’s Campus Mail and R5 Operations worked together to start a battery/CD/toner cartridge collection program which has grown collection points for these items from a dozen to well over a hundred. More team projects are on the way. Recyclemania 2011 was Cornell’s first year in the game, and proved to be a wonderful opportunity for collaboration. The Class Council of 2014 sponsored the competition with broad support from student groups representing all undergraduate classes and many graduate programs. Departments all over the campus worked not only to recycle and compost, but to help boost school spirit through communications and event support. R5 Operations is only one unit working with waste. Positive impacts on the university’s waste stream are broad. To mention only a few efforts: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) operate the on-campus composting program; initiatives in Cornell Dining reduce food waste through improved preparation practices; policies on LEAD certified construction reduce landfill waste; and reduction of printing and paper use in many departments impact the overall waste stream; the Cornell Waste Management Institute serves the campus and the public through research, outreach, training, and technical assistance, with a focus on organic residuals.

Cornell has a significant, though multifaceted, reuse program. However, weight and quantities of reuse items have not been historically tracked. The reported numbers above to not include reuse data.