Waste Audit to help campus become more efficient

In January, Seattle Central’s recently formed Sustainability Council performed a comprehensive campus waste audit to determine the college’s overall waste composition.

Dozens of student and staff volunteers sorted more than 80 bags of waste and recycling from campus buildings. The volunteers were trained to measure and record waste in volume and weight and sorted it into nine different materials. As a result of the audit, the Sustainability Council identified specific areas for improvement.

Moving forward, the Council plans to post the waste audit results (see graphic) in high traffic areas, create uniform waste stations and signage, and introduce a campus-wide campaign around its newly implemented composting program.

Recology CleanScapes, which assisted with the audit, will train Sustainability Council members to be on-site experts as they roll out their campaign and continue to reduce waste on campus.

Pie chart showing breakdown of waste at Seattle Central