About

How It All Began

YSU Recycling was established in 1999 to improve waste management on a campus level. Initially, the program only focused on recycling office paper, aluminum cans, and glass. However, YSU was then able to expand its recycling efforts due to grant funding and support from the Mahoning County Solid Waste District and the Green Team. The program is now committed to implementing more waste management practices on campus.

In the years that followed, the program earned national awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The university has become a role model for campus recycling and collaboration between local businesses and the community. YSU Recycling would not be possible without the commitment of our staff, students, and partners helping us create a clean and sustainable future.

 

Accomplishments

  • 2002: YSU Recycling launched a Dump-and-Run reuse collection during student move-out at the Residence Halls.
  • 2003-2004: The program received two national awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • 2006: YSU became the first college/university in Ohio to compost food waste.
  • 2007: Thankfully, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) provided grant funding for a compost curing area.
  • 2008: YSU Recycling successfully pushed for student dining services to switch to tray-free dining.
  • 2011: The ODNR provided more grant funding, which helped provide a second in-vessel composting unit.
  • 2012: With support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola, YSU Recycling obtained 72 event recycling dumpsters.
  • 2012-2019: For eight consecutive years, YSU has ranked in the top 20 in the National Campus Race to Zero Race competition.
  • 2019: YSU was ranked #7 by Great Value Colleges on their list of “America's 50 Top Colleges with the Best Recycling Programs”.
  • 2021-2024: YSU continues to earn a spot in the top 30 of the Campus Race to Zero Race competition.

 

Goals

  • The program aims to recover at least 70% of waste for recycling and reuse this year.
  • We aim to reduce contamination rates by providing proper recycling instructions to students and staff.
  • Increase campus awareness and involvement through recycling events.
  • Extend our environmental education outreach to local schools within the community.
  • Continue to keep the YSU campus cleaner and greener every day!