Zero Waste

UC Santa Cruz is committed to reaching the University of California Office of the President’s Zero Waste goals. UC Santa Cruz strives to not only to reduce the total amount of waste generated on campus but also to divert more waste from landfill. We have reached our waste reduction goal for 2020 and are working hard to increase our diversion rate from 51% (FY19) and decrease contamination in campus recycling. 

Download posters with instructions here:

Recycling *          Composting            Landfill

• Important note: Cardboard can be recycled separately at UCSC, please place cardboard in a large green dumpsters labeled "Cardboard". Flattened cardboard can also be placed in a blue recycling bin as long as it doesn't take up too much space. 

Additional Zero Waste Resources 

We're here to help answer your waste-related questions with a series of additional resources to better understand the waste system on campus. 

• List of Common Items and Where to Put Them
• Zero Waste Events Guide
• Let's Get Real About Swag
• Fiber-Based Eating Ware Purchasing Guide
• Zero Waste Move-In Tips
• Zero Waste Tips for Dorms
• Zero Waste Tips for Apartments
• Journey of UCSC's Waste
• Each Waste Stream Explained
• What is Wish-Cycling?
• Zero Waste Lingo Explained
• The 7 R's of Zero Waste
• Mailroom Recycling

Learn more

• Where does UCSC's waste, recycling and compost go? Learn more about ReGen Monterey here.
• The UC system has banned styrofoam packaging (with exceptions for lab/medical foam); UC Santa Cruz is working with current major contracted suppliers about compliance with the ban. Please use this form to report packages you've received that contain styrofoam (January 1, 2020 and onwards)!
• Work in an on-campus laboratory and want to reduce your waste? Check out the Green Labs waste reduction page.
• Follow the UC Santa Cruz Zero Waste Instagram account for zero waste information - @ucsczerowaste