recycle symbol

Navigating the Waste Hierarchy

Rethink / Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot

Virtually everything we use creates varying degrees of waste throughout its lifecycle—from extraction, harvesting, manufacturing, and transport of materials, to the product’s use and disposal. Amherst invests in recycling, composting, and reducing and reusing materials in order to be a good steward of its resources and a good neighbor to surrounding communities.

What’s Next

  • Drafting and considering adopting green purchasing guidelines for the college to help reduce waste creation.
  • Continuing to support and promote a closed loop approach to help minimize materials going to the landfill.
  • Finding ways to reduce food waste both in the dining hall and at catered events.
  • Reducing paper waste by promoting paperless courses and classrooms.