Zero Waste

Zero waste is defined as achieving a 90 percent waste diversion rate or better from one's local waste management site.  Pertaining to California State University (CSU), Chico, 90 percent of all waste produced by the school would be diverted away from the Neil Road Landfill and either be composted, recycled, or reused.  Becoming zero waste would also entail that the university rethink their procedures and guidelines to ensure that waste created through the supply chain is minimized or eliminated.

The goal of the Zero Waste Campus initiative is to have CSU, Chico adopt, advocate, or work towards a zero waste policy.  The Associated Students of CSU, Chico have already made a formal commitment to become zero waste by the year 2015.  To achieve this goal, the AS will gradually reduce waste generated by the corporation each year, in a tiered approach.  EAC believes that since the Associated Students Corporation has committed to this endeavor that our university should as well.  Zero waste is no longer a %u201Cpie in the sky%u201D idea, but a truly attainable and worthwhile endeavor. 

Did you know%u2026In 2009, Chico State created 1,430 tons (2.8 million pounds) of waste and spent $100,388 in waste hauling fees.  This could be reduced if the university was to adopt a Zero Waste policy.