Yale is committed to reducing waste
The following initiatives and programs help the University reduce the amount of waste it produces through more thoughtful disposal, reuse, and donation practices.
Composting
This service is available for events catered by Yale Hospitality. To request a composting receptacle for your event where food is served, please contact the Office of Facilities customer service center, or by calling 203-432-6888, one week in advance.
For more information on diverting food waste and compostable waste, visit the Office of Sustainability website.
Green purchasing
Reducing waste begins with responsible purchasing. The Yale Sustainable Procurement Standards encourage purchasing products with fewer negative effects on human health and the environment.
Spring salvage
This program is an annual resource recovery/waste diversion effort held during undergraduate student move-out. Students can donate reusable items such as books, lamps, beds, electronics, clothing, and furniture for reuse through the spring salvage program.
Eli exchange furniture surplus
Surplus furniture, lab equipment, and other items can be sold, exchanged, or purchased through Yale’s Eli surplus exchange.
Connecticut material exchange
Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environment Protection (DEEP) encourages the reduction of waste through its materials reuse programs. A list of categories describing acceptable materials for reuse and relevant reuse programs can be found on the state’s DEEP website.