#  Zero Waste 

 



##  Zero Waste 

 

Harvard is committed to a zero waste future where we sustainably manage every material stream, from plastics and electronics to organics and construction materials, while prioritizing waste prevention, resource efficiency, and smart use of our shared finances and assets. Guided by our Waste Stewardship framework and powered by strong partnerships across Schools and units, we are rethinking how we purchase, use, and reuse materials so that every member of our community can play a meaningful role in reducing waste.



 

 

 

       ![People browsing clothes at a Freecycle](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2026-04/012825_Freecycle_098%20resized.jpg?itok=Iip_gtHD) 

 

 



 

 



 

[*Accelerating a Zero Waste Future: A Framework for Waste Stewardship*](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/2026-05/Waste%20Stewardship%20Framework-ua.pdf "Waste Stewardship Framework") was developed by a university-wide working group in 2024 to transition the university to a zero waste campus. The framework is grounded in the Zero Waste Hierarchy, which prioritizes:

- Waste prevention
- Reduction
- Reuse & repair
- Responsible material recovery



 

 [ Download the Framework arrow\_circle\_right ](https://prod-fmo.drupalsites.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/2026-05/Waste%20Stewardship%20Framework-ua.pdf) 

 

 

 

 

##  Guiding Objectives 

Developed by the Waste Stewardship Working Group, these are the overarching goals we are working to achieve through our waste stewardship work:

 

 



 ### Advance Sustainable Purchasing & Procurement

through the strategic procurement of goods and services aimed at reducing waste and negative impacts throughout their lifecycle. Prioritize durable products made from renewable or recycled materials, support fair labor practices, and integrate sustainable end-of-life practices.



 

   ![A shopping cart](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Untitled-1_0.png?itok=z931T2bx) 

 

 

 

 ### Build and Develop Reuse Systems

through a university strategy that ensures consistent, equitable, and functional systems for reusing, sharing, and allocating physical resources.



 

   ![A circular arrow](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Untitled-3.png?itok=L-llM1rO) 

 

 

 

 ### Ensure Standard Recovery Infrastructure

by establishing and maintaining a standardized program and ecosystem across the university that supports waste reduction and maximizes diversion potential.



 

   ![Chasing arrows recycling sign](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Untitled-2.png?itok=Rgf50H5v) 

 

 

 

 ### Educate and Engage Campus Community

by enacting structures and strategies to establish a baseline of accepted behaviors and knowledge regarding waste stewardship on campuses for all Harvard community members.



 

   ![A graduation cap](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Untitled-4.png?itok=91MkfxKo) 

 

 

 

 ### Build the Foundation

by providing fundamental support for waste stewardship through the collection and analysis of data related to waste generation and reduction, as well as creating a shared culture and values to guide the University's approach to zero waste.



 

   ![An icon of a house with a foundation](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Untitled-5.png?itok=16cMa3sB) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Waste Stewardship Essentials 

These are the framework's *actionable strategies*. Each category is organized into foundational strategies (Baseline & Compliance), then Progressing, and Excelling.

 

 



  Open all sections   Close all sections  



###    Standard Recovery Infrastructure  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Maintain separate, monitored, and clearly labeled collection areas for all MA waste ban items and regulated items
- Co-locate trash/recycling/compost bins
- Verify that all bins have approved signage
- Follow waste bins color standard of black/gray for trash, blue for recycling, green for compost
- Perform periodic audit/evaluation of collection bins (location, usage, labels, etc.)

#### **Progressing**

- Prioritize reuse/recycling during clean-outs, renovations or move outs
- Provide liquid collection adjacent to recycling bins (to empty beverage containers)
- Limit or control access to loading docks/waste collection areas

#### **Excelling**

- Centralize waste collection for offices, classrooms, etc. (e.g. elimination of deskside bins)
- Establish special collection programs: lab plastics, plastic film, PPE, etc.

 

 



###    Sustainable Procurement Practices & Policies  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Establish an informal environmentally preferrable purchasing (EPP) policy (reference OFS Sustainable Purchasing Guide)
- Periodic audit of purchasing practices
- Regular mechanism for updating and training staff on purchasing guidelines
- Enforcement of policies (e.g. include in purchaser training)
- Develop process to check reuse options first before purchasing
- Formalize an EPP policy: purchasing recycled content

#### **Progressing**

- Work with vendors that have existing takeback programs
- Formalize an EPP policy: purchasing compostable or recyclable (aluminum or paper)
- Formalize an EPP policy: purchasing durable goods
- Create purchasing program evaluation
- Formalize an EPP policy: purchasing in bulk

#### **Excelling**

- Bans (e.g. single use items)
- Support or help implement new vendor takeback programs

 

 



###    Reuse & Reduction Infrastructure  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Establish a local reuse option (i.e., dorm swap shelf; Listserv)
- Create communal, shared resources (e.g., shareable office mugs, “Library of Things”)

#### **Progressing**

- Replace single-use items with bulk/reusable options when available
- Establish a system for office supplies reuse
- Promote and support reuse/repair events (i.e. Freecycle)

#### **Excelling**

- Provide reusable takeout containers
- Replace all Single-use items; redesign systems as necessary
- Develop a packaging reduction strategy (e.g. consolidating shipments; related to Sustainable Procurement Practices & Policies)

 

 



###    Education & Engagement  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Share information with your local community on waste resources and practices
- Include waste resources/info in orientation (staff/faculty and students)
- Include updates/resources in communications to your local community

#### **Progressing**

- Publicly communicate progress towards goals
- Perform awareness surveys
- Have an occasional waste stewardship section (brief updates, resources) in large department/unit meetings

#### **Excelling**

- Use audit findings to inform education campaigns (see “Tracking Waste Generation and Reduction”)
- Foster and utilize engagement teams

 

 



###    Zero Waste Events  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline and Compliance**

- Promote hierarchy of food service-ware: reusables if possible; then compostables or recyclables (inc. utensils)
- Use OFS Sustainable Events Guide
- Reduce/eliminate waste in event decorations and favors
- Co-locate Trash/recycling/compost bins with proper labels

#### **Progressing**

- Provide liquid collection (to empty beverage containers)
- Use bulk condiments instead of single serve

#### **Excelling**

- Limit event swag, programs, etc.
- Monitor and/or sort waste stations

 

 



###    Tracking Waste Generation & Reduction  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Monitor waste generation
- Assess/analyze any new waste reduction program
- Provide the correct size and number of exterior collection containers (dumpsters and totes) based on usage

#### **Progressing**

- Track specific specialty recycling streams (i.e. count/type of surplus items, e-waste, etc.)
- Set unit/school-level targets for waste reduction
- Perform regular waste audits to measure contamination

#### **Excelling**

- Analyze and evaluate data from purchasing, awareness, waste, and infrastructure audits
- Perform waste characterization assessments (determines material composition of waste stream)

 

 



###    Institutionalize Waste Stewardship  expand\_more  

#### **Baseline & Compliance**

- Set clear responsibilities for any Zero Waste process/program
- Assign any Zero Waste program to a leader/point of contact

#### **Progressing**

- Establish Leadership buy-in and active support
- Share publicly the commitment to waste stewardship and connect to mission statement

#### **Excelling**

- Support community outreach and lead by example (e.g. collection drives)
- Establish commitment to Waste stewardship as part of employee’s performance review

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Resources 

 



  [### Top Tips

 ](/resource/top-tips)The most impactful actions you can take to reduce waste on campus.



 

 

   ![People browsing books at a reuse event](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2025.04.22_Harvard%20Earth%20Day-49.jpg?h=7f710112&itok=z2rumY6x) 

 



 

 

   [### Harvard Recycling Newsletter

 ](http://eepurl.com/hP-Ph5) Upcoming events, updates, and new resources. 

 

 

   ![A portion of a sign that reads "Zero Waste at Harvard". ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2025.04.22_Harvard%20Earth%20Day-18_1.jpg?itok=C6_O-L_5) 

 



 

 

   [### Solid Waste Bans in MA

 ](https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/resource/solid-waste) Learn more about items banned from trash disposal in Massachusetts. 

 

 

   ![A cardboard box](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3081.jpg?itok=Mas9oNV6) 

 



 

 

   [### OFS: Zero Waste

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/our-plan/how-we-operate/waste/) Explore Harvard's waste data through the Office for Sustainability. 

 

 

   ![Someone holding a phone scanning a sensor in a waste bin](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/2023_03_21_Harvard_Nordsense_Installation-31%20smaller.jpg?itok=7P-0Wt8u) 

 



 

 

   [### Waste Sorting & Recycling

 ](https://fmo.harvard.edu/recycling-waste/waste-wizard) How should you throw that away? Learn about proper disposal. 

 

 

   ![A trash bin, a recycling bin, and a compost bin placed next to each other. ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/example%20sorting2.png?h=fc7955b6&itok=bF7DUJ1Q) 

 



 

 

   [### Sustainable Labs Guide

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/schools-units/sustainable-labs/) Reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in your lab. 

 

 

   ![Pipette pen shown with pipette tip boxes and droppers](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3072.jpg?itok=bB1jaB6O) 

 



 

 

   [### Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/resources/sustainable-purchasing/) Reduce waste through your purchasing practices on campus. 

 

 

   ![A stack of white binders](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_3075.jpg?itok=baEIbcuq) 

 



 

 

   [### Sustainable Meeting and Event Guide

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/resources/meetings-and-events/) Learn how to reduce waste at meetings and events on campus. 

 

 

   ![Event waste bin set up showing separate and labeled bins for multiple waste streams](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Gund%20ZW-Events_02.jpg?h=543c0747&itok=crC24ir0) 

 



 

 

   [### Recycling & Surplus Center

 ](https://fmo.harvard.edu/recycling-waste/surplus-center) Free, surplus campus goods. 

 

 

   ![A variety of used furniture ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_0935.jpg?h=c873fc29&itok=4H5ng0GC) 

 



 

 

   [### Waste Signage

 ](https://fmo.harvard.edu/recycling-waste/waste-signage) Download waste signage here. 

 

 

   ![Labels showing Recycle, Compost, and Trash signs](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/Signage%20%281090%20x%20613%20px%29.png?itok=LCaTY6uU) 

 



 

 

   [### Donations and Specialty Recycling

 ](/resource/donations-and-specialty-recycling)Looking to donate or recycle something, but aren't sure how to?



 

 

   ![an office chair](/sites/g/files/omnuum12911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/AdobeStock_1858083058.jpeg?itok=VtoyQdJ3) 

 



 

 

  

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