The state of California has set a goal of a 75% landfill diversion rate by 2020. In 2015, Stanford diverted 65% of its waste from landfill, so while the campus is already performing well, more work remains. According to campus waste audits, organics make up approximately 30% of the trash destined for landfill. In response, Peninsula Sanitary Service, Inc. (PSSI) launched a customer-funded program to encourage groups on campus to compost at a larger scale.

The pre-existing voluntary composting program, which engages more than 100 volunteers to manage collection of compostables for specific floors or wings, has been popular. Through the new initiative, individual schools or departments can fund the increased services necessary for a more robust composting program. To date, more than 30 groups have opted into the new program. Additionally, compostable collection bins are available in all dining halls and many cafes and communal spaces on campus, as well as in all student housing dumpster corrals.

More Information

http://bgm.stanford.edu/home_pssi_main
http://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/07/26/university-changes-deskside-recycling-program-sets-goals-to-lower-paper-landfill-waste/