Zero Waste

American University is committed to strive for zero waste sent to landfill and incineration.

We're On Our Way to Zero Waste

In 2010, AU adopted a Zero Waste Policy for reducing campus waste and diverting the university's waste stream from landfill. AU's waste management system aims to utilize renewable materials, enhance the campus environment, and protect the health of the University community. The Zero Waste team in Facilities Management tracks and audits waste metrics, develops strategies to improve sustainable purchasing, and engages with the community.

Sorting Guides

Review the sorting guides below to understand what items go into which waste bin on campus: Landfill, Compost (Organic Waste), and Mixed Recycling. Please note that American University follows Zero Waste DC's guidelines for recycling

Selected
Landfill
Compost
Mixed Recycling
YES
Surgical and Latex Gloves
Disposable Face Masks
Styrofoam
Chip Bags
Candy Wrappers
Plastic Bags & Wrap
Plastic Cutlery
Condiment Packages
Straws
K-Cups
Waxy Paper Cups

NO
Recyclables
Compostable/Organic Items
Batteries
Lightbulbs
Electronics

YES
Food Waste
Meats
Cheeses
Wooden Stir Sticks
Wooden Toothpicks
Paper Towels & Napkins
Tissues
Soiled Paper & Cardboard
Pizza Boxes
Oil-Stained Paper Bags
Paper Tea Bags
Coffee Grounds
Coffee Filters
Only when clearly labeled as compostable: Clamshell Containers, Cups, Lids, Straws, Cutlery

NO
Plastics
Cans
Glass
Clothes & Textiles
Wrappers

YES
Cans
Glass Bottles and Jars
Plastic Bottles
Plastic Solo Cups
Paper Cups
Yogurt and Margarine Tubs
Laundry Detergent Bottles
Shampoo Bottles
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum or Tin Pans
Plastic Clamshells
Coffee Cups, Sleeves & Lids
Newspaper
Paperboard
Junk Mail
Catalogs/Magazines
Sticky Notes 

NO 
Heavily Soiled Items
Plastic Cutlery
Straws
Plastic Bags & Wraps
Clothes & Textiles
Items Labeled Compostable 
Items Containing Liquid
Items Smaller Than 2"x2"

 

These items are collected in special bins placed across campus and should not be placed in the landfill, recycling, or organics bins. 

Batteries – Battery recycling tubes are located in central areas in most buildings on campus. Look for tall clear tubes near entrances and exits.

Ink Cartridges – Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

Plastic Bags and Wraps (the plastic on things like paper towels and water bottle packages) – Recycling locations are in the Library, Mary Graydon Center, and Spring Valley Building. 

Cell Phones - Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

E- Waste: Laptops, printers, and any other electronics – Faculty and staff, contact the Helpdesk. For students, E-Waste collection takes place in the fall and spring at special events.

Diversion Programs

  • All recyclables including paper, bottles, cans, and plastics can be recycled in one container called Mixed Recycling.
  • This single-bin process mirrors recycling programs in the DC region, and makes AU's recycling program more efficient.
  • Landfill and Compost are separate bins, and trash and compostable materials should be sorted into those containers, respectively.  
  • AU's compost program has been up and running across campus since 2017. Bags that are too contaminated may be diverted to landfill, so we need the entire campus community to commit to properly sorting waste. 
  • Food waste created while preparing food at the Terrace Dining Room (TDR) and coffee grounds from the Davenport Coffee Lounge and the Bridge Cafe are composted, along with organic waste in the orange bins across campus.
  • All compost is sent to the Prince George's County industrial composting facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. 
Certain items are collected in special bins across campus and should not be placed in the landfill, recycling, or compost bins. 

Batteries: Battery recycling tubes are located in central areas in most buildings on campus. Look for tall clear tubes near entrances and exits.

Ink Cartridges: Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Bender Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

Plastic Bags and Wraps: Recycling locations are in Bender Library, Mary Graydon Center, and Spring Valley Building. Includes plastic wrapping on things like paper towels and water bottle packages.

Cell Phones: Recycling locations are in the Mary Graydon Center, Bender Library, and lobbies of residence halls.

E-Waste: Includes laptops, printers, and any other electronics. Faculty and staff should contact the Helpdesk. Students can participate in periodic campus e-waste drives. 

Furniture: Faculty and staff members looking to dispose of old or excess furniture should contact 2Fix. Students can donate dorm room items to the Zero Waste Club during Project Move Out at the end of spring semester. 

Waste Sorting 101

The scoop on how to sort your waste on American University's campus. Learn how to properly manage your compost, recycling, and trash.

PLANNING A ZERO WASTE EVENT?

Our Green Event Guidelines offer tips and recommendations for planning a sustainable event.

Green Event Guidelines

NEED WASTE BINS?

To request waste bins for an event, email 2fix with the location, date and time, number of attendees, and if you are serving food.

Contact 2FIX

Waste Questions?

Reach out to the Office of Zero Waste in Facilities Management with any questions or concerns.

Contact Zero Waste