Single-use Plastics
The University of Virginia’s 2030 Sustainability Plan includes a goal to reduce the total amount of waste to 70% below 2010 levels by 2030. To achieve this, the University must significantly reduce materials used, including single-use plastics.
As a state entity, the University began prohibiting certain 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 In April 2022, Executive Order 77 was rescinded, but UVA maintained its commitment to reducing plastics. In July 2024, University Policy PRM-003: Waste Minimization and Landfill Diversion was updated to include clear guidance on single-use plastics. Section 1 of the policy states:
UVA is committed to reducing single-use plastics on Grounds and shall not purchase, sell, or distribute certain single-use plastics when alternatives are available.
UVA will not purchase, distribute, or sell the following:
- Single-use plastic and polystyrene food service containers (plates, cups, bowls, lids, trays, sauce containers, and hinged containers)
- Single-use disposable plastic straws and cutlery (straws, forks, spoons, knives, and stirrers)
- Single-use plastic water bottles (non-nutrient enhanced) up to and including 33 ounces
- Disposable plastic shopping bags
These single-use plastic items must be replaced with reusable materials or locally compostable alternatives. The use of water refill stations should be prioritized to support the transition from single-use plastics to reusable materials.
These requirements apply to:
1) purchases made with University funds;
2) all units, University-Associated Organizations, and/or affiliates (e.g., caterers, food service providers) operating or providing a service on Grounds;
3) all events and projects occurring on University Grounds or in University-owned buildings.
Purchasers and service providers are expected to take all reasonable efforts to replace these materials with reusable or compostable alternatives. UVA will reduce and to the extent possible, eliminate, expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), additional single-use plastics beyond those listed above – such as individually-wrapped items with bulk alternatives, plastic giveaways, and beverage bottles when feasible.
- Exceptions:
There may be instances where the aforementioned single-use plastics cannot be avoided. Exceptions include but are not limited to emergencies, public health concerns, and patient care.
- Zero Waste Events: All events must adhere to the single-use plastics requirements noted above. If all food-service materials being used for the event are compostable or reusable, efforts must be made to request compost collection bins.
We recognize that telling the difference between a plastic and biodegradable cup can be confusing, especially because the two products can sometimes look alike. The Office for Sustainability created this page of frequently asked questions to help clarify some of the misunderstandings. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does waste collection and reduction work at UVA?
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At UVA we sort waste from academic buildings into five separate categories: plastic/metal/glass, paper/cardboard, compost (generally food and landscape waste), electronic waste, and landfill. All items placed into recycling bins on Grounds are hand-sorted by our UVA Recycling team at the UVA Recycling Sorting Facility. Compostable items head across the mountain to Black Bear Composting in Crimora, Virginia. As a last resort, items that cannot be recycled, composted, or reused are sent to landfills within a 100-mile radius of UVA. (Please reach out if you are interested in touring either the recycling and/or compost facilities!)
See more specifics about waste minimization efforts on our Materials & Waste page or view the Where Does UVA's Waste Go Guide. Still have questions about where to place your item? The UVA Waste Directory is helpful in identifying which bin to use.
- Does this apply to the UVA Health and/or research laboratories?
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Plastic-reduction requirements do apply to UVA Health and research labs - for example, when purchasing for an event or stocking a kitchenette. However, plastics necessary for medical and/or research purposes and any other plastics not listed in the policy above are currently exempt.
- What is required of UVA-affiliated units, foundations, contractors, satellite locations, etc.?
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The requirements apply to: 1) any purchases made with UVA funds; 2) all units, foundations and/or affiliates operating or providing a service on Grounds or in UVA-owned buildings (including area caterers); and 3) all events and projects taking place on UVA’s Grounds. They do not apply to departments or university-affiliated organizations located off-Grounds or events or travel off-Grounds. Donations of plastic water bottles or other plastic items do not align with the intent of the policy, which is to reduce the impact of single-use plastics.
Email the Office for Sustainability [[email protected]] if you’d like to ask specifically about expectations for your department or unit.
- Are area caterers required to comply with UVA’s needs for plastic alternatives?
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All official UVA vendors have been asked to comply with our waste minimization goals as of December 2022. Some caterers have been using compostable wares for years, whereas others are still learning. However, almost all area businesses should be willing to work with you to meet your needs. If your caterer has brought single-use plastics, remove compost bins from the space to avoid contamination, and email [email protected] ,so we can follow up with your caterer.
- Where can I buy compostable products?
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As entities are moving away from single-use plastics, compostable products are increasingly accessible to the public. You can order bulk compostable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils from office supply portals like The Supply Room via UVA Marketplace, directly through online retailers such as Eco-Products, World Centric, and others, or in-store at local grocery stores. When purchasing compostable wares, make sure that items explicitly state “BPI Compostable,” “Compostable,” or “7 PLA”. Descriptors like “green,” “earth-friendly,” and “biodegradable” are not synonymous with compostable. If you are unsure if an item aligns with s the single-use plastics policy, feel free to email [email protected] with a link for confirmation. To request compost, recycling, and/or landfill bins for your event please fill out UVA’s Zero Waste Request Form and include all types of bins you would like serviced for your event.
- If plastic water bottles are no longer permitted on UVA Grounds, what other options are there for hydration?
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For outdoor events over 1,000 people, the WaterMonster refill station is likely the best choice for keeping guests hydrated. To learn more about this service, visit the WaterMonster webpage. For departments and organizations that often host events, we suggest investing in a refillable water dispenser or carafe to use for such events. For events less than 250, the recommended alternative is aluminum bottled water, or canned water. You can purchase these online or through the UVA Marketplace. While boxed water is not technically in violation of the UVA Single-Use-Plastics Policy, we do not recommend this product as they are made of mixed materials and are not commercially recyclable.
Single-Use Plastics Resources
University Stakeholders
Please review this slide deck for a basic training of single-use plastics for purchasers, event planners, and students.
Purchasers
Eco-Products and World Centric are reliable sustainable food packaging product resources.
UVA’s Zero Waste Events Contact
If you are new to Zero Waste Events and would like some guidance or clarification on the process and what to expect, please review our Zero Waste Events Guide.
Event Planners
UVA's Zero Waste Events Guide (updated 2022)
Staff/Faculty: Contact Shannon Sahs with the Office for Sustainability ([email protected])
Students: Contact Lela Garner with the Office for Sustainability ([email protected])
Please contact the Office for Sustainability ([email protected]) with any questions.