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Accelerating a zero-waste future

Zero Waste

A zero-waste future requires a systemic approach. At Harvard, we aim to sustainably manage all waste streams—including plastics, electronics, recyclables, and organics, as well as construction, demolition, and hazardous waste—while prioritizing waste prevention and reduction.

Framework for Waste Stewardship

Zero Waste Future

In 2025, Harvard launched “Accelerating a Zero Waste Future: A Framework for Waste Stewardship,” a new plan to transition our campuses to zero waste. Developed by the Waste Stewardship Steering Committee in collaboration with University leaders, the framework prioritizes waste prevention, reduction, reuse, and responsible recovery, and aligns with Harvard’s Sustainability Action Plan.

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Cover page of the PDF “Accelerating a Zero Waste Future: A Framework for Waste Stewardship” layed over a photo of a person picking up trash outside.

Explore upcoming Zero Waste events:

Calendar of Events

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2 events,

Harvard Voices on Climate Change: The Endangerment Finding and the DOE Climate Science Report

Climate Connection Event: The Salata Institute Climate Collaboration Grant Session 1

2 events,

Event Series

Harvard Farmers’ Market

Carr-Ryan Conversations: Climate Change on Trial

3 events,

Event Series

Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Event Series

Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Event Series

Fixit Clinic

1 event,

Bullard Lecture: Managing Pollution of Urban Waters: Sources and Solutions

1 event,

Bullard Lecture: Managing Pollution of Urban Waters: Sources and Solutions

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3 events,

Event Series

Talk Trash

The Uncomfortable Truths of Public EV Charging

Climate change: Seeking bipartisan solutions during turbulent times

1 event,

Event Series

Harvard Farmers’ Market

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1 event,

Protecting America’s Public Lands

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1 event,

3 events,

Event Series

Harvard Farmers’ Market

Event Series

Recycling Webinar + AMA 

Climate Connection Event: The Salata Institute Climate Collaboration Grant Session 2

3 events,

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October 2025 Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)

Climate Crossroads: Debating Energy’s Next Frontier with Patrick Pouyanné

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4 events,

Event Series

Talk Trash

Hybrid Hybrid Event

Exxon Mobil’s Approach to the Energy Transition

Energy Seminar at Harvard: Anil Achyuta, Partner, Energy Impact Partners

1 event,

Event Series

Harvard Farmers’ Market

1 event,

International Law & Climate Interventions – Is There a There There?

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1 event,

Science Spotlights: Where Did All the Animals Come From?

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4 events,

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Freecycle at HGSE Gutman Cafe

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Talk Trash

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The Environment Forum with Michael Lobel | Van Gogh and the End of Nature

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How is Harvard reducing waste? 

Recycled Paper icon

Harvard is taking a systemic approach to waste prevention and reduction, aiming to ensure the materials that the University purchases and handles are used effectively and for as long as possible. Harvard is also strategically preventing waste throughout our value chain, while minimizing on-campus municipal solid waste (or trash) and sustainably managing other waste streams. 

We are focused on piloting solutions on campus to reduce waste. The Waste Stewardship Committee is developing guidance and resources to help Schools and Business Units create their own zero-waste plans and goals. 

Harvard will continue to measure and report data annually for Harvard’s major waste streams and aims to develop a strategic zero-waste plan by the end of 2024.

Graphic that prioritizes waste hierarchy: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Rot, Recycle.
When making decisions about managing our waste, prioritize Rethinking and Reducing waste. Source: Recycle Smart

Harvard Recycling & Waste Management

The primary campus waste hauler office at Harvard manages all waste streams across Harvard’s Cambridge, Allston, and Longwood campuses. Explore their resources:

More Resources from Harvard Recycling & Waste ManagementOpens new window

Harvard Recycling and Surplus Center Sign on a glass door.

Piloting Solutions

A Zero-Waste Future

New life for Harvard’s compost

Compostable materials collected on Harvard’s campus are used to produce energy.

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Save that Stuff trucks deposit collected organic waste on the warehouse floor.

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How We Operate

Harvard is accelerating new systems that enable healthier, low-carbon living—creating systems that can be scaled and adopted more broadly.

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Buses from Harvard Shuttle Services pick up students at The Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) as people pass by on Bluebikes. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer