Why bother with ‘zero waste’? Every month, Ohio University generates about 400 tons of landfill waste, up to 14 tons per day. Disposal of landfill waste costs roughly $25,000 per month. The opening of the new Baker University Center on January 2, 2007 has increased the solid waste produced by our campus significantly; the dining areas in this facility alone are serving 2,500 meals per day on average. Waste audits have revealed that as much as 75% of all the items in our dumpters is actually recyclable or compostable. By holding zero waste events, we help to minimize our university’s ecological footprint and educate our community about the need to reduce waste.

How do I make my event a ‘zero waste’ event? Choose food and drinks that can be recycled or composted. Avoid plastic, styrofoam and other non-recyclable goods. Serve foods that can be eaten on biodegradable serviceware, reusable flatware or with your hands. Let attendees know how to sort their waste. Contact the Office of Resource Conservation to get help with recycling and composting bins and to find out about great ways to plan a zero waste event.

If you or your organization cannot do a 100% zero waste event, you can still choose to minimize your environmental impact by utilizing some environmentally friendly conscious options. Options include making sure that you have recycle bins present is (drop-off and pick-up courtesy of Campus Recycling & Refuse), choosing purchasing paper products made from recycled materials or purchasing biodegradable serviceware. To request recycle bins and/or compost bins please submit a work request at https://www.facilities.ohiou.edu/requests/login.php

Any student organization, charitable organization or Ohio University department may purchase biodegradable serviceware from the Central Food Facility warehouse. Payment must be made with an organization check or OU account number. Prices for utensils are as follows:
Bio Forks packed 1000 per case for $50.46
Bio Spoons packed 1000 per case for $49.67
Bio Knife packed 1000 per case for $49.74

Questions about the ordering biodegradable products? Please contact Melanie Glassmire, 593-2975 or glassmir@ohio.edu or Charlene King at 593-2976.

Please contact us at least one week prior to your scheduled event! THANKS.

The Office of Sustainability 593-0460 www.ohio.edu/sustainability
Campus Recycling & Refuse 593-0231 http://www.facilities.ohiou.edu/recycle/index.html