Increase Waste Data Collection & Auditing

This initiative proposes implementing regular waste audits across all buildings on campus to collect consistent data and improve waste management practices. The University of Arizona can enhance zero waste efforts and track progress towards sustainability goals by identifying high contributors to waste contamination and poor diversion rates. This data will also help in risk management and emergency response by providing detailed inventories of plastic, chemical, and radioactive waste. Actionable items include:

• Conduct quarterly waste audits in each building on campus to gather detailed waste data.
• Utilize technology to track building-level waste diversion and identify inefficiencies.
• Appoint a Zero Waste Manager within Facilities Management to oversee waste auditing and data collection.
• Focus waste education and training efforts on buildings identified as needing improvement.
• Align waste audit practices with the goals of initiative BE 19 to support the Toward Zero Waste Action Plan.