Purchasing Guidance: Single-Use Plastics Policy

These items are restricted or will be eliminated according to the timeline.

• Plastic grocery-style bags - 100% eliminated.

• Balloons (celebration, wayfinding, signage) - 100% elimination.
• Office and classroom trash bags - 50% reduction required.

• Water bottles and 5-gallon jugs - 100% elimination.
• Non-water beverage bottles (soda, juice, dairy) - 100% elimination.
• Food service containers and utensils - 100% elimination.
• Warehouse wrap - 75% reduction.

• Try using the numerous hydration refill stations across campus (this water is not only filtered but better regulated that what you purchase in single use plastic bottles) (.xlsx file)
• Aluminum cans or bottles.
• Glass bottles.
• Beverages available through campus dining partnerships.

• Reusable options for recurring events (these are available via UB’s Student Sustainability Impact Team).
• Compostable containers and utensils.
• Paper-based alternatives.

• Reusable cloth or canvas bags.
• Paper bags.
• Cardboard packaging.

Can't Find an Alternative? If you cannot identify a suitable alternative, reach out for guidance before placing your order. Our team will work with you to find compliant options that meet your department's needs. Contact Erin Moscati, Zero Waste Manager at emoscati@buffalo.edu.

1. Audit current orders - Review recurring purchases against the restricted list.
2. Update preferred vendors - Work with suppliers who offer compliant alternatives.
3. Plan ahead - Start transitioning before elimination deadlines.
4. Budget accordingly - Alternative products may have different pricing.

Departments with unique operational needs should contact the Zero Waste Manager early in the planning process. Emergency or critical operational needs will be evaluated case-by-case.

SUNY's policy supports campus sustainability goals by reducing waste that cannot be recycled. Most plastic items with recycling symbols cannot actually be processed by recycling programs and end up in landfills.

This policy supports both UB's Climate Action Plan and the Zero Waste and Circularity Strategy as well as SUNY's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan by reducing campus waste, decreasing our emissions and creating market demand for more sustainable products.

Policy Questions: SUNY Single-Use Plastics Policy
Alternative Products: Contact Zero Waste Manager
Vendor Questions: Contact UB Purchasing Office
Emergency Needs: Contact Zero Waste Manager for case-by-case review