Solid Waste Reduction
Franklin & Marshall by 2020 is committed to reducing solid waste campus-wide. To reach this goal, College leaders will work with vendors to reduce product packaging and e-waste and implement educational programs to increase participation in recycling.
The plan sets immediate and long-term goals for solid waste reduction, including the following:
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Goal 1: Reduce the total solid waste generated on campus from 11 lbs. per capita to 8 lbs. by 2020.
- Strategy1: Reduce the total waste stream to achieve Goal 1 by developing a purchasing policy that addresses product packaging and waste, assesses the feasibility of composting or bio-digestion of food waste, focuses on raising awareness, and changing behavior around recycling and waste.
- Strategy 2: Develop better auditing mechanisms to ensure that F&M’s e-waste is being properly recycled.
- Strategy 3: In order to mitigate the environmental impacts of consumption, undertake cost/benefit analyses before replacing equipment, furniture and the like to ensure upgrades are essential.
- Strategy 4: Develop a campus standard, strategy and procedure for recycling all waste materials or trash.
- Strategy 5: Expand construction demolition waste reduction, recycling and reuse.
- Strategy 6: Develop a waste minimization plan targeted at minimizing material packaging sent to campus.
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Goal 2: Achieve zero solid waste in the dining hall food services facilities.
- Strategy 1: Establish a methodology for achieving zero waste (e.g., composting, bio-digestion, or an alternative technology). Consider looking at new compost vendors.
- Strategy 2: Partner with Sodexo or other food service supplier to efficiently and effectively minimize waste from the dining hall.
Existing Initiatives Cited in the Plan
The College in 1989 began a recycling program through a student-led initiative. F&M participates in Recyclemania, a friendly competition that collects and compares waste data among more than 600 colleges and universities. A voluntary program called "Dump-and-Run" encourages students to donate belongings they would otherwise discard. The Office of Information Technology Services also operates an e-waste recycling program.
