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.
Explore upcoming Zero Waste events:
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.
Events
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The Salata Institute and the Harvard Alumni Association invite you to the latest installment of Harvard Voices on Climate Change, a virtual series featuring Harvard faculty and fellows on different dimensions of the climate challenge. Featuring Satchit Balsari, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, this session will explore the growing threat of extreme heat and its impact on human health. From the risks facing workers and vulnerable communities to the mounting pressures on health systems and cities, the discussion will examine how rising temperatures are reshaping public health—and what can be done to better protect people in a warming world. |
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Join us at our community Freecycle at the Science and Engineering Complex! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse an excellent selection of items brought by others. Popular items include books, clothes, and household goods. Only donate items in clean and working condition. Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop! |
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Did you know that the Weld Hill Research Building at the Arboretum has the largest geothermal heating system at Harvard? There are 88 wells hidden under the namesake hill which help heat and cool the state-of-the-art research building. Join Head of Operations and Project Management Danny Schissler for a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating system. This tour will be a mix of indoors and outdoors. |
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Are you a Harvard or MIT student or alumni interested in a career in climate and sustainability? Or an employer interested in reaching Harvard University and MIT students with career opportunities? The Salata Institute Climate and Sustainability Career Expo is a collaborative effort across Harvard schools and MIT to connect organizations focused on climate, sustainability, and the environment with Harvard undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni. Join us for the next expo on Friday, November 20, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:30pm. |
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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 developed 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.
Harvard Recycling & Waste Management
Harvard Recycling and 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.
