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 the Blue Bin and Trash Buddy program in offices and workstations for over two decades. This program provides employees with convenient access to recycling.
The Blue Bin is a 3.5-gallon container used to collect paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal items.
The black Trash Buddy is a 1-gallon container that hangs on the side of the blue bin and is used for items that cannot be recycled or composted.
Custodial staff do not service individual workstations. This allows them to focus on essential cleaning tasks. Employees are responsible for emptying their recycling and trash into centrally located Recycle/Organics/Trash (ROT) stations, which are serviced by custodial staff.
Employees may opt out of the Blue Bin and Trash Buddy program and instead dispose of materials directly in central ROT stations as needed.
Shared workstations are typically not provided with a Blue Bin and Trash Buddy, as there is no designated individual responsible for emptying them. Requests for equipment may be submitted if a service plan has been established. For next steps, contact emoscati@buffalo.edu.
This guide covers waste collection options across campus: individual workstation systems and new ROT stations in public areas.
Recycle/Organics/Trash (ROT) stations are being deployed to all public areas across campus. Beginning in 2026, UB is implementing a systematic process to remove all stand-alone recycling and trash containers and replace them with ROT stations. This change will ensure everyone has convenient access to properly dispose of the three most generated items recycling, organics and trash wherever you may be on campus.
ROT stations will:
All ROT stations will be serviced by custodial staff.
ROT stations will be located near these facilities rather than in them, ensuring consistent opportunities for waste diversion and more efficient custodial operations.
ROT stations will not be located in these areas. However, used paper towels may be disposed of 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.