Implementing Reusables at Colleges and Universities

Race to Zero Waste works with colleges and universities to implement and improve their reusable foodware programs.

Race to Zero Waste (R20W) works with students to create a cohort of volunteer Zero Waste Ambassadors, and with dining operations to assist with the implementation or improvement of a reuse system for dine-in and takeout. We work through a collaborative approach intended to help the campus move closer to its sustainability goals.

R20W staff and the Zero Waste Ambassadors work with campus faculty and staff to further understand the baseline and current waste situation of the campus community. Where is education and redirection needed? Are there reusables in place? If so, what is the current return rate? How can we work together to meet campus sustainability and zero waste goals?

From the school, we request assistance to help facilitate the right connections and help us recruit student volunteers. We also request a lead staff/faculty member to be involved to help guide the student Zero Waste Ambassadors. Thanks to our funders, we have been able to provide a small stipend to the majority of our Zero Waste Ambassador cohorts to say "thank you" to the student volunteers who work with us.

Campuses improve return rates and students receive professional development in the zero waste field and real-world experience with public outreach and engagement.

Schools we've worked with:

Ohlone College, CA
California State University East Bay, CA
Principia College, IL
Drury University, MO

2022-2024

Race to Zero Waste has worked with California State University (CSU) East Bay and Ohlone College in Alameda County to improve sustainability on their respective campuses. Zero Waste Ambassadors helped educate the student population on using reusables in the dining halls and emphasized the importance of returning the containers. The work from 2022-2024 was made possible through grants from the Altamont Education Advisory Board and StopWaste. Ongoing collaboration with Ohlone College continued after the grant period.

2025-2026

Race to Zero Waste trained student Zero Waste Ambassadors and worked with staff and facilities personnel to improve the return rate of reusable foodware on the Principia College campus and the Drury University campus. This work was made possible by a ChangeX grant.