College and University Solid Waste and Recycling Report FY 2023-24 (Accessible with Cover Page).pdf
In FY 2023-24, 39 North Carolina public colleges and universities reported generating 23,646 tons of material, with 42% diverted through recycling or recovery and 58% disposed. This marks a slight increase in recovery compared to FY 2022-23, suggesting continued rebound from COVID-19. In compliance with N.C. General Statute 130A-309.14, each school has implemented some type of recycling program to capture traditional recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal cans, and glass bottles. Many schools have implemented practices to achieve waste diversion beyond their statutory requirement. These practices include food waste diversion programs, paired (“twinned”) waste and recycling bins, and expanded recycling access throughout campus. DEACS recommends increasing outreach, twinning all public bins, recycling non-traditional items, and donating surplus food and goods, while noting that budget limitations may affect implementation.