Ohio State aims to achieve zero waste by minimizing waste generation and increasing recycling, repurposing and composting of waste materials generated on our campuses. This work includes implementing infrastructure and program improvements to prevent waste generation, increase recycling, expand compost options, reuse durable goods when possible, and educate the campus community on proper waste disposal techniques and opportunities.
Ohio State is also a national leader in handling event waste, with Ohio Stadium regularly achieving gameday zero waste awards, providing a model for implementation at other univesity venues.
Achievements and initiatives
41% landfill waste diversion rate.
Over 6,000 tons of materials are recycled or reused every year. Standard signage and bin design have been updated reflecting more recyclable materials to encourage students, faculty and staff to recycle correctly.
Ohio State' Dining Services has implemented the Buckeye ReusePass program, a nationally leading reusable to-go container program that prevents the disposal of nearly 250,000 single-use containers in the landfill annually. During the Fall 2025 semester, this effort will expand to inclue reusable silverware through the Utensils-To-Go program, which was originally conceived by a team of students.
The university’s Zero Waste team has expanded the collection of food waste for composting in over 120 locations across the Columbus campus, including residence halls and academic buildings with kitchenettes. Additionally, the university hosts compost drop-off locations on the Columbus campus for faculty, staff and students living off-campus. All faculty, staff and students interested in food waste composting are encouraged to sign up for the university's free Compost Mini Bin Program.
The Wexner Medical Center is reducing specialty medical waste through efforts such as a reusable sharps container program and a pilot program to collect and recycle operating room blue sterilization wrap.
Ohio State collaborates with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Ohio Penal Industries (OPI), which operate a recycling sorting program and Class II compost facility in London, OH, as a workforce and reentry training program. Our collaboration with ODRC and OPI is focused on sustainability, education, and rehabilitation. Through this collaboration, Ohio State football gameday recycling is sorted and some campus organic waste is composted at the facility, while participants earn a $10.45 per hour wage (with increased overtime wage rates when applicable), learn several trade skills, and can earn composting certifications through the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and additional training through Ohio State Extension. In addition, individuals are eligible to earn credit towards early release through their participation.