Theme: Waste Diversion & Reduction

These projects focus on how to reduce the amount of waste produced on campus, encourage behavior changes that reduce waste production, or explore avenues of recycling/compost/reuse that allow us to lower our campus's waste footprint. 

Mercury Vapor Detection Equipment

Project Description

Purchase of new technology for detecting mercury during EH&S clean-ups.

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Waste Reduction in the Cal Greeks Community

Project Description

This project aims to reduce the volume of solid waste generated by the Cal Greek community through composting, recycling, and the ReUSE program.

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Bring Your Own Mug (BYOM)

Project Description

Reduce purchase and disposal of single-use coffee cups on campus through the use of a campaign titled “Bring Your Own Mug” (BYOM).

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Compost Alliance - Bringing Compost to Campus Buildings

Project Description

The Compost Alliance designs and implements campus building composting systems in collaboration with Physical Plant-Campus Services, which oversees both Custodial Services and Campus Recycling & Refuse Services. This system was piloted in 10 campus buildings and includes service, set-up, equipment, and educational outreach.

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Mobilizing Sustainability at Berkeley - The Greening Operations (GO!) Team

Project Description

Fund a group of students to provide building audits and green event outreach on a case-by-case basis.

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Recycling at Cal Program

Project Description

Increase can/bottle recycling by installing new outdoor recycling containers.

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No More Down the Drain

Project Description

Install a sand and sediment trap to reduce and recycle clay and glazes.

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FoodWare at Haas

Project Description

Catered events at UC Berkeley lead to unnecessary waste and carbon emissions from disposable packaging. Approximately 100-1000 single-use items are discarded at each event. After connecting with the sustainability team at the Haas School of Business and realizing the school shares the same sentiment, we are taking action and launching a pilot in cooperation with Haas with the hope of expanding to the rest of campus. Our project aims to fully replace single-use food packaging for catered events by introducing a reusables service driven by a sustainability...

Sustainable Menstrual Products Program (SMPP)

Project Description

The Zero Waste Coalition (ZWC) is seeking funding to expand their research from the initial pilot in Fall 2023, providing free access to eco-friendly, body-safe period products in the University Health Services wellness area and at community events. ZWC will hold best practices and care workshops, community events, and conduct outreach efforts to educate the UC Berkeley campus around the intersectional issues around environmental justice and menstrual equity.

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Vermicomposting Implementation Project

Project Description

The Vermicompost Implementation Project heightens the impact of our existing Continuous-Flow-Through Vermicomposting Bin by unifying our material flows and expanding our educational offerings. First, we will relocate our Bin to the Clark Kerr Campus (CKC) Garden, where we will continue processing CKC Kitchen food waste and producing nutrient-rich vermicast to benefit the CKC Garden. By tightening our project’s geographic scope we will become a clear educational example of organics resource circularity. Second, this new location will form the foundation of...