This is where change begins.
The University at Buffalo provides comprehensive waste collection services across all campus locations to support our zero waste goals. UB offers convenient options for properly sorting recyclables, organics and trash (ROT) throughout campus.
UB has operated a blue bin and trash buddy program in offices and workstations for more than 20 years, providing convenient recycling access for employees.
The blue recycling bin is a 3.5-gallon container for paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal items. The black trash buddy is a 1-gallon container that hangs on the blue bin's side for items that cannot be recycled or composted.
Custodial staff do not service individual workstations, allowing them to focus on essential cleaning tasks. Employees empty their bins into centrally located ROT stations, which custodial staff service regularly.
Employees may opt out of the program and dispose of items directly at ROT stations as needed.
This guide covers waste collection options across campus: individual workstation systems and new ROT stations in public areas.
ROT stations are being deployed to all public areas across campus. Beginning in 2026, UB will systematically remove stand-alone recycling and trash containers and replace them with ROT stations. This ensures convenient access to properly dispose of recycling, organics and trash anywhere on campus.
ROT stations are designed to be consistent in appearance for easy identification. They use colors and specific lid openings to help with sorting, provide visual instructions at a glance and feature QR codes for questions. Stations are placed at frequent intervals for convenience.
All ROT stations are serviced by custodial staff.
ROT stations will be located near these facilities rather than in them, ensuring consistent opportunities for waste diversion and efficient custodial deployment.
In restrooms, ROT Stations will not be located. However, used paper towels may be placed with other organics at a central ROT Station.
In shared spaces, these areas are usually not provided with a Blue Bin and Trash Buddy, as there is no designated person to empty containers. Equipment requests may be submitted if a service plan has been identified. Contact emoscati@buffalo.edu for next steps.