Circular Economy
Georgia Tech is committed to creating circular economy approaches throughout our supply chain. Our goal is to reach zero waste by 2050. In addition, we are in the process of developing sustainable procurement guidelines, assessing our emissions across the supply chain, and integrating a life cycle approach into the built environment.
Waste operations at Georgia Tech are handled by the Office of Solid Waste Management and Recycling (OSWM&R), a unit of Infrastructure and Sustainability (I&S). The Office of Sustainability supports zero waste initiatives through data collection, waste education, engagement, and strategy.
For operational questions such as bin drop-off, collection, or special requests, contact OSWM&R at their website or recycle@gatech.edu.
Georgia Tech's Approach
Climate Action Plan Materials Management Strategies
- Become a Zero-Waste Campus by 2050.
- Develop an Institute-Wide Sustainable Procurement Policy.
- Integrate Lifecycle Approaches into Campus Design and Planning.
Zero Waste Strategies
- Develop an Institute-Wide Zero-Waste Policy and Source Reduction Guidelines.
- Implement a Campus Reuse Center.
- Increase Recycling and Composting through Infrastructure standardization and improvements.
- Provide Zero Waste education and training.
Explore
Campus Recycling
The Office of Solid Waste Management & Recycling (OSWM&R) manages Georgia Tech’s waste and recycling operations. Recycling services are offered in most campus buildings and at outdoor bins.
Campus Composting
Composting bins are located in residence halls, dining locations, and a few academic buildings. Georgia Tech is actively working to expand compost services.
My Green Lab
My Green Lab is an internationally recognized sustainability certification program for laboratories. The program addresses 16 dimensions of sustainability, including waste. Georgia Tech is piloting My Green Lab in three labs in 2024.
TipCycle
TipCycle is a pipette tip washing and reuse program launched by Georgia Tech faculty and staff with the goal of reducing plastic waste in laboratories.
Hazardous Waste Management
Although not counted towards Georgia Tech’s diversion rate, the safe and sustainable disposal of hazardous waste is important. Environmental Health and Safety at Georgia Tech offers robust hazardous waste management services.
Kendeda Revolving Closet
The Revolving Closet is a Georgia Tech community resource developed in response to textile waste created by “fast fashion” and student needs for affordable clothing options. The closet allows anyone to take and/or donate clothes anytime during Kendeda Building hours.
Green Forks
Tech Dining, Klemis Kitchen, and the Office of Sustainability are piloting a notification system to reduce food waste from catered events. More information coming Fall 2024.
Good Food Purchasing
The Office of Sustainability is working with the Center for Good Food Purchasing to develop an assessment of our food supply chain to track our greenhouse gas emissions from purchased food and support increased local and healthy food consumption.
STARS
Georgia Tech reports waste-related data to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). View related STARS credits below.
Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan serves as a roadmap for Georgia Tech’s materials sustainability efforts. By implementing the strategies outlined below, the Institute strives to become a leader in materials management and contribute to a more resilient future.