This is where change begins.
Find answers to common questions about UB's new waste collection system. These frequently asked questions cover everything from sorting guidelines to building-specific information about ROT stations.
UB is implementing these changes to advance sustainability, meet regulatory requirements and make waste sorting easier for the campus community. Sustainability is a core university value, and increasing recycling and organics diversion helps reduce landfill waste and supports a more circular materials system.
In addition, New York State and SUNY mandates require UB to improve waste diversion efforts. To meet these goals, it’s important that disposal systems are simple and intuitive. Research shows that when sorting is convenient and centralized – such as through all-in-one disposal stations – participation increases, and sorting accuracy improves by 25–50%
The existing equipment is not designed to support three separate waste streams, including organics. To improve waste diversion, it’s important that disposal systems are simple, consistent and easy to use.
Research shows that when waste streams are paired together in one centralized station, participation increases and contamination decreases. Providing clearly organized, all-in-one disposal options makes it easier for the campus community to sort materials correctly and results in higher overall diversion rates.
UB is adopting a centralized waste collection model to improve sustainability, efficiency, and consistency across campus. This includes expanding centrally located recycling, organics and trash (ROT) stations and adding organics as a third waste stream.
Centralized collection allows custodial staff to work more efficiently and focus on high-priority tasks like cleaning shared spaces and sanitizing restrooms. It also increases awareness of proper waste sorting and supports higher diversion rates by making disposal practices more consistent.
Employees who prefer not to use deskside bins can opt out of the program. In these cases, deskside equipment will be removed, and all waste should be taken to a nearby ROT station. This helps ensure that waste is placed only in containers that are actively serviced.
A ROT station is a centralized waste collection station designed to make it easier to properly dispose of recyclables, organics and trash (ROT). As part of UB’s commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management, these stations are being installed across campus buildings to provide a consistent, easy-to-use disposal system.
By bringing all waste streams together in one location, ROT stations help improve sorting accuracy, reduce contamination and increase overall waste diversion.
ROT stations are being installed to provide a consistent and convenient way for students, faculty and staff to sort and dispose of waste. Making disposal simple and centralized helps increase participation and improve sorting accuracy.
This effort also supports UB’s sustainability goals and ensures compliance with New York State and SUNY mandates for waste reduction and diversion.
Each ROT station includes clearly labeled bins for recyclables, organics and trash. Recyclables include items such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and metals. Organics include food scraps and other compostable materials, while trash is for non-recyclable waste.
Labels on each station provide specific guidance to help ensure materials are sorted correctly and contamination is minimized.
ROT stations are designed to make waste sorting simple, consistent and convenient. Bringing recyclables, organics and trash together in one centralized location eliminates confusion and makes proper disposal the default option.
Clear, user-friendly labels help guide sorting decisions, making it easier for everyone to participate and improving overall accuracy and diversion rates.
This initiative supports a cleaner, more sustainable campus by reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling and organics diversion. Providing consistent, easy-to-use disposal options helps the university community participate more effectively in responsible waste management.
It also supports UB’s sustainability goals and ensures compliance with New York State and SUNY waste reduction requirements.
The university will measure success by tracking key metrics such as waste diversion rates, participation in recycling and organics programs and contamination levels. Feedback from the campus community will also help assess how well the stations are working.
These measures help ensure the program is improving waste sorting, increasing diversion and supporting UB’s sustainability goals.
Students, faculty and staff play an important role in the success of this initiative. Using ROT stations correctly and following posted guidelines helps improve waste sorting and increase diversion across campus.
There are also opportunities to support campus sustainability efforts by participating in events and helping raise awareness about responsible waste management.
The rollout of ROT stations will begin [insert specific date or timeframe here], with a goal of completing installation in all North Campus academic buildings by [insert completion date].
Installation timelines may vary slightly based on building schedules, but updates will be shared throughout the rollout to keep the campus community informed.
More information is available on the project website [insert link], including resources, updates and ways to get involved.
For additional questions or support, you can also contact UB’s zero waste manager directly.