Ways to Overcome Waste Challenges for Colleges and Universities

Campus waste management plans can vary significantly with seasons. There may be a hive of activity in one month and absolutely nothing in the other. So, if you haven’t really paid attention to formulating a customized waste plan, now is the time to get going. You can start with educating the younger generation on how they can make efforts to fight environmental challenges and be part of an extended mission. Apart from that, here are three critical obstacles campuses like yours face and ways to overcome those.

Summer Break Waste Management

Unless there aren’t any summer camps or extra classes, the college or university premises can literally sit idle and unused. Winter breaks, too, can have similar consequences. The facility can instantly go from larger waste accumulation to almost negligible volumes.

And you must still be paying for the same services. So it is essential to conduct a thorough waste audit every year, especially during long breaks, so you can understand the type of services you require during those times. Talk to your garbage company about the volumes generated and discarded during summer break to better manage your time and expenses.

End of Semester Move-Out

Compared to summer breaks, end-semester move-outs generate massive amounts of trash, including furniture, bedding, clothing, paperwork, and more. Multiple, bigger-sized dumpsters with bulk pickups are needed to accommodate those volumes of waste and keep the facility clean.

During these times, authorities can implement recycling, reusing, donating, and shredding programs. In fact, find ways to reduce the stuff that will have to be thrown in the landfill. The less dump you have at the landfill, the more you save both financially and environmentally. The facility can work towards sustainable goals and also spread awareness among prospective students.

Waste Contamination

Waste and recycling contamination is a major challenge with college and/or university waste. It happens when the materials are not sorted into correct bins or ways. This costs the contractor significant time and money to segregate waste offsite, reducing the sustainability effort. The higher the contamination, the higher the landfill usage leading to multiple kinds of pollution.

Therefore, draft a comprehensive waste management plan with your garbage company. It must be thoughtfully incorporated into the facility’s design and structure. Locate specific containers strategically so everyone can avoid waste contamination. Apart from integrating proper waste sorting protocols, ensure students are aware of those policies to better assist your plans.

Also, if you’re yet to find a reliable waste partner, make a simple Google search – waste management near me

• and you shall be able to find an experienced and certified service provider.

The Bottom Line

Campus waste management isn’t easy. Some facilities are so huge they’re like cities in themselves. However, no matter the size of the campus, each one must be a model for sustainability to protect its costs and the environment and leave a positive impact on the students. Also, find better, creative, and customized ways to manage and recycle waste and align with a larger, long-term vision.

At Waste Systems Inc., we believe garbage solutions should be simple. Whether you need a roll-off container, or are looking for trash removal services in Nassau County, we’re here to help.