Cornell University
OP-18: Waste Diversion

Institution diverts materials from the landfill or incinerator by recycling, composting, reusing, donating, or re-selling. 

This credit does not include construction, demolition, electronic, hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal and non-regulated chemical waste, which are covered in OP Credit 19: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion, OP Credit 20: Electronic Waste Recycling Program, and OP Credit 21: Hazardous Materials Management. 

This credit applies to all institutions

Institutions earn the maximum 3 points for this credit by diverting all of their waste from the landfill or incinerator. Incremental points are available based on the percentage of waste that is diverted. For example, an institution that diverts 50 percent of its waste would earn 1.5 points (half of the points available for this credit).

Report the most recent waste generation data available. 

Sampling and Data Standards

To the extent possible, include all waste that was generated by the institution (as the institution defines in the overall STARS institutional boundary) when reporting for this credit.  If data for the entire campus and/or entire year are not available, institutions may use a representative sample. 

Waste figures measured in volume may be converted to weight using the conversion factors provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the College and University Recycling Council that are used for the Recyclemania competition.