In Fall 2024, the “Sustainable Aggies” First Year Aggie Connection, or FYAC, conducted a mini-waste audit of the Segundo residence halls at UC Davis. The results were eye-opening: of the 22.1 pounds of waste audited, less than 25% was actually landfill-destined. Instead, 44% of the waste consisted of recyclable materials, and 32% was compostable. This means that over 75% of the waste in the landfill bins could have been diverted to recycling or composting—a significant finding that underscores the importance of accurate waste sorting in achieving sustainability goals.

Accurately sorting waste is critical to environmental sustainability as it ensures that recyclable and compostable materials are kept out of landfills, where they can take thousands of years to break down. To this end, the University of California Sustainable Practices Policy has set an ambitious goal to divert 90% of municipal solid waste from landfills. This mini-waste audit highlighted how far we still have to go in meeting this goal and the necessity of collective action to improve waste sorting practices.

The waste audit was a highlight of the Sustainable Aggies FYAC, a program co-led by UC Davis Sustainability and Student Housing and Dining Services. This FYAC offered first-year students opportunities to explore the sustainability initiatives that have made UC Davis a global leader in environmental stewardship. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and campus tours, the group learned practical tips for navigating campus life sustainably and gained a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts to reduce waste.

On October 24, 2024, participants conducted the waste audit by examining landfill-designated bags collected from first-floor bins in several Segundo residence halls. These bins are intended for items such as Styrofoam and soft plastics, but the audit revealed a different story. As the waste was emptied onto a tarp, participants discovered a significant amount of recyclable and compostable materials mixed in with landfill waste. Using gloves, trash grabbers, and tongs, the Sustainable Aggies sorted the waste into the appropriate bins under the guidance of Sustainability and Student Housing and Dining staff. 

This hands-on experience not only provided practical knowledge about proper waste sorting but also highlighted systemic challenges in waste management. By quantifying the waste composition, the audit reinforced the importance of educational initiatives and infrastructure improvements to address common waste-sorting errors and meet the university’s diversion goals.

The UC Davis Sustainability and Student Housing and Dining Services are committed to addressing these challenges. By implementing targeted solutions and fostering greater awareness, they aim to create a more sustainable campus environment. Programs like the Sustainable Aggies FYAC play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and advancing UC Davis’ leadership in sustainability.

Together, we can achieve the UC Sustainable Practices Policy’s 90% diversion goal. Accurate waste sorting is a small but impactful step toward a more sustainable future, and it’s one that every Aggie can take.

About the Author

Kaitlyn Kwan is a Zero Waste Coordinator with UC Davis Sustainability. She is a 3rd-year Environmental Policy, Analysis, & Planning major and is passionate about all things sustainability! 

“I enjoyed participating in this waste audit because I’ve always been curious about how we can improve sustainability on campus. This experience gave me insight into what items are commonly missorted. In the future, I can use this information to effectively teach and educate others on waste sorting. I also loved working with the Sustainable Aggies and answering their sustainability questions!”