FAQs

Waste Not is CSULB’s waste reduction and diversion program designed to help the university achieve its goal of becoming a zero waste campus (90% diversion rate) by 2030. Founded on the principle of “waste not, want not,” the program promotes policies and operations that reduce wasteful practices on campus while simultaneously diverting more material from landfill by increasing opportunities for recycling and composting.

Zero waste is a goal or strategy that aims to eliminate the amount of waste generated by drawing inspiration from similar processes that exist in nature, where all resources are reused, returned, or recycled. From an operational perspective, achieving a rate of 90% waste diversion can be defined as achieving "zero waste."

We live on a finite planet with finite resources, yet we currently operate in a linear system of extraction, use and disposal that produces large amounts of unnecessary waste. Striving for zero waste helps conserve and recover natural resources as they become scarce, and will help CSULB lower its carbon footprint and meet its goal of achieving climate neutrality.

Blue recycling bins can be found throughout campus and the materials that go into them vary depending on location. 

Outdoor Recycle Bins

The dual stream bins (half trash/half recycling) and blue pyramid-top bins located outside on campus grounds are for empty beverage containers only. 

These include:

• EMPTY glass, plastic and aluminum bottles
• EMPTY aluminum cans
• Any other empty drink container that has "CA Redemption Value" label 

Do NOT throw any liquids, cups, or other trash into the recycle bins. 

Interior Recycle Bins

Inside buildings, the blue recycle bins are for "mixed recycling," which includes:

• EMPTY beverage containers (as described above)
• All types of paper (clean and dry)
• Cardboard
• Other types of glass bottles and jars (clean and empty)
• Metals, including clean foil, aluminum trays, soup cans (clean and empty)
• Plastic containers labeled #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, and #5 PP.  

Do NOT throw any liquids, food, wet paper, wet/oily cardboard (such as pizza boxes), or items with food residue or liquids into the recycling bins.  

Deskside Recycle Bins 

The small, blue, deskside recycling bins are also for "mixed recycling" and can accept all of the same items listed above. However, since these bins are serviced only once a week by campus Custodial staff, it is best to use deskside bins primarily for clean, dry paper and cardboard. Other materials that contain even small amounts of food remnants or residue from sweet beverages could attract pests into your office space. 

Green Compost bins can be found in areas of campus where food is served including the University Student Union, Outpost Grill, Nugget, and residential Dining Halls.  Compost bins will also be available at campus events where food is served. 

Compost bins are exclusively for organic waste, which includes:

• All Food - Including meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, sauces, liquids
• Uncoated plates, bowls, cups, and utensils, made from fiber-based material such as paper, bamboo, wood, or sugar cane
• Soiled cardboard, such as pizza boxes (clean cardboard should be recycled)
• Paper – napkins, paper towels, paper flyers (printed on regular printer paper) 

Do NOT Compost: 

• Bioplastics, including those labeled “compostable” and “biodegradable”
• Plastic-coated fiber materials such as hot drink cups, including those with PLA linings
• Cardboard or paper with glue, adhesive, or tape stuck to it
• Glossy paper (such as flyers or brochures)

This bin is for materials that cannot be recycled or composted. These are typically items that are made of a mix of several different types of materials or items that are too small to be effectively processed at a waste sorting facility. Some examples include small plastic utensils, straws, chip, candy, and granola bar wrappers, polystyrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam), bottle caps, and coffee pods. It also includes all types of film plastic, such as plastic bags, and all bioplastics, including those labeled “compostable” and “biodegradable.”

After being collected, this material will be sent to a landfill or be incinerated. Both of these processes release greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change, generate toxic bi-products, and eliminate the opportunity to reuse or repurpose the materials once they are buried or burned. 

Visit the Recycling and Reuse page for information about the various programs for recycling electronic waste, batteries, writing instruments, and more. 

The steps to leading a zero waste lifestyle are rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle. In following these steps, the most important one is to rethink the way you use resources. For example: Rethink whether you really need to buy that new bag or pair of shoes, whether you actually need a lid or straw for your beverage, and if you can do without a bag at the grocery store to carry out a few small items.

For the resources you do need to consume, reducing is the name of the game. For example: Plan your meals ahead and make a shopping list in order to reduce the amount of food that ends up going to waste. 

If you have any more questions, comments or concerns, you can contact the Office of Sustainability at:

Email: sustainability@csulb.edu

Office Phone: (562) 985-1939

In an effort to help the University meet its waste reduction goals, desk-side trash bins have been removed and replaced with a new mini-bin. Mini-bins will not be lined and are serviced once a week so it is best to take sticky/wet items to your nearest central zero waste station in a hallway or department breakroom/common space. 

When used properly, the mini-bin should not need a bag. Only, dry, non-sticky items should go inside your mini-bin. Sticky/wet items should go to any of the centralized zero waste bins located in the hallways. Those bins are serviced daily. Avoiding placing sticky items in your desk side bins will also help prevent pest issues inside your office. 

 Place only dry, non-sticky landfill/trash items in your mini-bin. If your mini-bin becomes dirty, you may (1) rinse it in a breakroom or restroom sink, or (2) use a wipe to clean and disinfect it. Remember to place all sticky/wet items in a centralized zero waste bins located in the hallways to avoid pests! 

Yes! You may place other recyclable items in your desk-side blue bin, including paper, small pieces of flattened cardboard, beverage cans and bottles, etc. It is important to ensure that all food and beverage containers are empty of liquids and clean. Please DO NOT place non-recyclable trash items in your recycle bin.  Please refer to the program brochure and/or the label on the side of your blue recycle bin for more information.

Short answer: no. The zero waste program is part of several mandated policies and commitments that the university is required to comply with. We highly encourage you to use the central hallway bins to take trash during your restroom and/or lunch breaks. Special accommodations can be made for those with mobility limitations. If you require such an accommodation, please notify your facility coordinator, who can request a trash bin on your behalf.   

Trash bins have been removed from most classrooms to help encourage folks to bring their items to a zero waste station where it can be properly sorted into a recycle bin or landfill/trash bin.

Please contact Customer Service at (562) 985-4357 or email BeachBuildingServices@csulb.edu

Compost bins for organic waste are currently only located in areas of campus where food is served including the University Student Union, Outpost Grill, Nugget, and residential Dining Halls.  Compost bins will also be available at campus events where food is served. If you are eating at or near these areas, please dispose of food and other organic waste in the Compost bins. If this is not a convenient option, please dispose of food and organic waste in a centrally located Landfill/Trash bin. 

At this time, compost bins are not available for use in department or office kitchens and breakrooms, although we are exploring the possibility of establishing a voluntary program. If you would be interested in establishing and being responsible for a program for diverting organic waste in your area, please contact sustainability@csulb.edu .  

In most cases, the zero waste stations were added in or very near locations where a trash bin already existed so the new bin should not cause any new pest issues. We would prefer to leave the central zero waste stations in place to ensure that the area has enough capacity to handle the amount of waste generated. If you do experience pest issues due to the new bins, please contact Customer Service at (562) 985-4357 or email BeachBuildingServices@csulb.edu to report the problem.

The Waste Not program is being facilitated by the Office of Sustainability in Beach Building Services. If you have specific challenges or concerns you would like to convey to this team, you are welcome to email sustainability@csulb.edu and someone will follow up with you shortly.