Materials & Waste
UVA's goal is reduce its waste footprint to 30% of 2010 levels by 2030 (a 70% reduction).
UVA works to reduce the environmental impacts of operations through comprehensive programs to reduce waste generated and to keep waste out of landfills through reuse, recycle, and compost materials. UVA’s waste goal includes all academic buildings, athletic venues, residence halls, research labs, the University's Health System and other facilities on Grounds.
Single-Use Plastics
By policy, UVA prohibits the purchase of certain single-use plastics when University funds are used, including single-use plastic water bottles. UVA began prohibiting single-use plastics in July 2021 under gubernatorial Executive Order 77. In April 2022, Executive Order 77 was rescinded, but UVA maintained its commitment to reducing plastic.
Recycling
UVA’s recycling system separates paper, cardboard, glass, cans and plastics #1-5 and #7 PLA only (no Styrofoam) into separate bins to reduce contamination. Facilities Management Recycling staff sort recyclables at a sort facility on Ivy Road. Check out the Where Does UVA's Waste Go? infographic to learn more about where UVA’s waste goes when it leaves Grounds. Not sure what can be recycled? Check out UVA Waste Directory and if you’re an on-Grounds student, UVA Dorm Waste Map - Where do I take my waste? or Health System staff, How to Recycle in UVA Medical Center.
Composting
Composting throughout Grounds has grown exponentially in recent years, with many more locations and events, including all home football games, additional athletic venues, the Amphitheater, and over 100 events per year. UVA Dine offers back-of-house composting at more than 20 locations. Composting is increasingly being incorporated into events at UVA, with over 140 zero waste events per year - including major events such as Reunions, First-Year Food Fest, and Lighting of the Lawn. Visit the Zero Waste Events page to learn more.
Optimizing Purchasing
UVA works to improve sustainable purchasing options through UVA’s Procurement Working Group. UVA Employees are invited to join the Green Purchasers Community of Practice on Teams. Faculty & staff with purchasing responsibilities can share ideas and resources related to sustainable purchasing, ask questions and learn from one another. Anyone who is interested in sustainable purchasing can join.
Reuse Store
The UVA ReUSE Store supports the collection, sale and reuse of surplus property, which includes University-owned unneeded, unclaimed, lost or abandoned items. Items are free for use on UVA Grounds, or available for purchase from the public. The program supports the University’s sustainability efforts by extending the life-cycle of items that may have otherwise been disposed of in a landfill - over 1 million pounds in academic year 2025-2026 alone.
ROSE Program
The Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) collects gently used or unused office supplies from departments throughout UVA and makes these materials available to university students, staff and faculty, and the broader community.
Visit our Zero Waste EVENTS page for more