NC State University implements data-driven impactful procedures, strategies, and programs to strive for zero waste on campus. Reuse programs are key to our waste diversion goals.
Last year, NC State diverted 569,660 pounds of material through campus reuse programs.
Diversion through reuse extends a product's life cycle, minimizing environmental impacts and conserving both natural and economic resources.
Tons of material flow through campus that cannot, and should not, be managed via standard compost, recycling, and landfill services.
NC State's Surplus Property Services provides a second life to goods that were once University property.
These goods include Athletic gear, kayaks, theatrical props, computers, desks, bikes...and more! Campus departments can purchase items for their offices at any time, while public sales occur every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
Campus and community partnerships are key to successful reuse programs.
Partnering with local nonprofts such as TROSA, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and the Scrap Exchange has allowed NC State to divert thousands of pounds of materials from campus construction projects.
During these projects, contractors working with Waste Reduction & Recycling carefully remove materials that can be reused, including paints, cabinets, doors, sinks, handrails, water fountains, and fixtures.
Leftover supplies from construction projects are also stored in a reuse trailer throughout the year by Building Services. These materials are then integrated into new projects as needed, or, utilized by students for projects on campus, such as Shack-a-Thon, a week long fundraising event where students build temporary "shacks" on the Brickyard.
Shacks are built using reusable supplies and then carefully deconstructed. Materials are donated to Habitat for Humanity and to the Scrap Exchange.
University Housing and Waste Reduction & Recycling collaborate each year to reduce waste during the end of the spring semester when thousands of students move off campus.
The Wolf Pack-N-Give program collects reusable goods and nonperishable food items for campus and local nonprofit agencies.
Last spring, 9,503 pounds of reusable items were donated to TROSA, Inc; 1,631 pounds were collected for NC State's Feed the Pack Food Pantry.
Students are leading the pack on campus for reuse programs.
College of Design student Abbey Carr recently created these "Scrap Traps" to be placed through the numerous design and art studios to capture materials that could be reused and out of the landfill.
NC State also supports and challenges its Wolfpack community to utilize reusable products to reduce their personal waste.
NC State encourages our Wolfpack to BYO!
Bringing your own reusable cup, bag, spork, straw, (and more) helps reduce waste-to-landfill!
