Single-Use Plastics Policy

Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Prioritizing Durable Alternatives

Policy Overview

SUNY's Elimination of Single-Use Plastics and Preference for Durable and Reusable Alternatives Policy, issued in March 2024, directs all campuses to eliminate purchases of plastic products designed for single use and prioritize durable, reusable alternatives. For example, this might include choosing beverages in aluminum cans or reusable containers instead of plastic bottles.

On This Page:

Why This Policy Matters

Many people assume that items with recycling symbols can be recycled, but the number inside those arrows simply indicates the type of plastic polymer. Unfortunately, most plastic items cannot be processed by standard recycling programs and end up in landfills or incinerators. On average, less than 9% of plastics are recycled.

This policy affects purchasing decisions across all university departments and aligns with our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing UB’s greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic has a lot of petroleum in it!

Our Commitment to Sustainability

This policy supports both UB's Climate Action Plan and SUNY's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan by:

  • Reducing campus waste generation.
  • Decreasing global warming greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Creating market demand for more sustainable products.
  • Contributing to campus and SUNY system decarbonization efforts.

Affected Products and Timeline

The following items have specific elimination deadlines:

Product Category Elimination Goal Deadline

Plastic grocery-style bags

100%

August 2024 (in effect)

Balloons (celebration, wayfinding, signage)

100%

August 2025

Office and classroom trash bags

50% reduction

August 2025

Warehouse wrap

75% reduction

August 2027

Water bottles and 5-gallon jugs

100%

August 2027

Non-water beverage bottles (soda, juice, dairy)

100%

August 2027

Food service containers and utensils

100%

August 2027

For a complete list of affected products and deadlines, visit the official SUNY policy page.

Implementation Support

The Sustainability team has been working directly with Purchasing and Contracts Services to:

  • Identify departments that regularly purchase affected items.
  • Help find suitable alternative products.
  • Coordinate with Facilities and Campus Dining & Shops leadership.
  • Ensure campus-wide compliance with phase-out deadlines.
Get specific purchasing guidance
Early Adoption Encouraged

Departments are encouraged to begin transitioning away from single-use plastic products as soon as feasible alternatives are identified.

Action Steps

  1. Review your current purchasing practices.
  2. Identify items in your regular orders that fall under this policy.
  3. Plan for transitions before elimination deadlines.
  4. Contact the Zero Waste Manager if you need help finding alternatives.

Additional Resources

Questions?

Contact us for more information about policy implementation and alternative product options.

Erin E. Moscati

Zero Waste Manager

Sustainability

109 Sustainability Center

Phone: 716-829-3535

Email: emoscati@buffalo.edu

Support Eliminating Single-Use Plastics at Campus Events

If you've attended a campus event where single-use plastics were used, you can submit an anonymous report to help Sustainability provide educational resources and support compliance with SUNY's single-use plastics elimination policy,

Submit Report