Zero Waste

June 2024 marked the first year UCLA engaged in a large scale move out event to collect usable goods that would otherwise be disposed of. This way we can ensure more items have their life prolonged and both avoid the landfill, and help others who may need them.

Being the first year this program will be evolving as we work to scale it, you can find information about what went on last year at the Move Out Resources webpage. Once information for next year is set, you will be able to find drop off days at that link. Please make sure your usable furniture and other home goods don’t go to waste!

UCLA is committed to reducing the university’s environmental impact and developed a Single-Use Plastics Policy. The policy will phase out food accessory items such as plastic utensils, cups, lids, bowls, plastic bags, and ultimately eliminate single-use plastic water bottles while increasing access to water-refilling hydration stations. This is envisioned to cover not just sit-down and take-out restaurants, but everything from conferences, catered meetings, and events large and small.

As campus moves forward with standardizing centralized waste collection, Facilities Management will be providing 3-stream containers, which will greatly expand waste diverting capacity and allow users to sort their waste into compost, recycling, and landfill streams. Personal desk-side waste baskets will no longer be serviced and building occupants will need to bring and sort their waste at centralized waste bins strategically placed throughout our facilities. Additionally, liners will no longer be provided for personal desk-side waste baskets to reduce the amount of plastic generated on campus. Please refer to our FAQ page, Centralized Waste Etiquette, and Waste Bin Requirements to help you answer any questions you may have or contact zerowaste@ucla.edu.

The Centralized Waste Do’s and Don’ts is available for download and sharing. Other resources you may wish to view are on the FAQ on centralized waste in English and Spanish. Please email any questions you may have to sustainability@ucla.edu.

As campus updates and standardizes infrastructure, Facilities Management has published a Waste Bin Requirements document is available to ensure that departments purchasing receptacles meet Facility Management’s Scope of Work and have consistent messaging. This document provides guidance on placement of waste receptacles and offers options for waste bins.