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.
Explore upcoming Zero Waste events:
Calendar of Events
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Harvard Parents Freecycle
Harvard Parents Freecycle
Harvard Commons Spaces and Harvard Recycling are hosting a Harvard Parents Freecycle event on September 9 on the first floor of the Smith Campus Center! Donations can be dropped off any time after 11:00 a.m. and the event will run from 12-2 pm. Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find new homes for kids’ clothing, books, and toys, from newborns to teens!
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Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)
Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)
Stop by the Smith Campus Center for a September Freecycle! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find some secondhand items to gift this year. Popular items include books, clothes, and working household goods.
Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop.
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Talk Trash
Talk Trash
Come say hi! Throughout October, Harvard’s waste experts will be popping up at different campus spots to talk trash with you. Learn about what should go in each bin and how to handle your unique items like batteries and e-waste. Hear more about what the university is doing to reduce waste, and how you can be part of the solution!
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Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Stop by the Rosenau Atrium (next to Sebastian’s Café) for a Freecycle event! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Popular items include books, clothes, and small household goods. Open to Harvard-ID holders only, and no donation is necessary to shop.
Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Freecyle at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Stop by the Rosenau Atrium (next to Sebastian’s Café) for a Freecycle event! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find some secondhand items to gift this year. Popular items include books, clothes, and working household goods. Open to Harvard-ID holders only, and no donation is necessary to shop.
Fixit Clinic
Fixit Clinic
Have you been holding onto a broken item in the hopes of repairing it? (Or perhaps found a nearly-working item at a Freecycle?) If so, come to our Fixit Clinic on Thursday, February 13th at the Cabot Science Library, between 12pm and 3pm. With help, you’ll disassemble your item, troubleshoot the issue, and (hopefully) repair it! Register your broken item ahead of time here.
Don’t have anything to fix but have some fixing expertise to share? Sign up to be a coach here!
Hosted by Harvard Libraries and Harvard Recycling & Waste. Contact dailey_brannin@harvard.edu with questions.
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How is Harvard reducing waste?
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.
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
Piloting Solutions
A Zero-Waste Future
New life for Harvard’s compost
Compostable materials collected on Harvard’s campus are used to produce energy.
How We Operate
Harvard is accelerating new systems that enable healthier, low-carbon living—creating systems that can be scaled and adopted more broadly.
