The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has the HIGHEST Waste Diversion Rate in the Big Ten!
UMN Twin Cities recovers more than 55% of waste from entering trash landfills.
Waste diversion is the process of diverting and redirecting waste from landfills. Waste Recovery Services provides collection and disposal services for the Twin Cities Campus. Their mission is to recover material resources from the solid waste stream and prevent the disposal of hazardous materials.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines waste diversion as “The prevention and reduction of generated waste through source reduction, recycling, reuse, and composting. Waste diversion generates a host of environmental, financial and social benefits, including conserving energy, reducing disposal costs, and reducing the burden on landfills and other waste disposal methods.”
Our waste diversion rate represents how much of the total waste produced on campus is reused, recycled, or composted rather than incinerated or landfilled. It also includes some preliminary data on source reduction. Programs that fall under Waste Recovery Services include the Recycling Program, the Organics Program, Debris Management, The ReUse Center, the Hazardous Materials Program, and other programs and services dedicated to responsible waste management on campus. One contributor to the increase over the previous year was due to including more of our waste in the calculations this year.
The Big Ten Conference is a group of the nation's top 14 public universities that has come together to form standards for intercollegiate athletics. “The conference established itself as the preeminent collection of institutions in the nation, where the pursuit of academic excellence prevailed as the definitive goal.”
The Big Ten universities are the Universities of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, MINNESOTA, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, along with Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Rutgers.
Among these Big Ten institutions, the University of Minnesota has the highest waste diversion rate!
Thanks to all who help achieve this great sustainable accomplishment! Check out the Waste Dashboard
Welcome back to campus! Here’s what’s coming up in our Sustainability Coffee Chats series this fall:
- ☕ Sept. 28, 9 to 10 a.m. — Learning Abroad, SDGs, & Sustainability (Register)
- ☕ Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11 a.m. — Planetary Health 📍 IN PERSON at RecWell (Register)
- ☕ Nov. 18, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Native American Medicine Garden (Register)
- ☕ Dec. 1, 12 to 1 p.m. — Ask Me Anything: Leading Through Sustainability & Climate Action with Shane Stennes, Chief Sustainability Officer (hosted by the Alumni Association) (Register)
Welcome, new and returning students! Did you know that students and faculty at the U have access to a Universal Transit Pass included with student fees, so you can explore the Twin Cities sustainably? The Coffee Passport has directions to coffee shops owned by ethnically diverse communities, less than 15 minutes away from the East Bank. Together, we can save time, money and CO2 emissions to achieve the U’s Climate Action Plan of reducing commuting emissions by 40% by 2030. Download the Coffee Passport.
Join and on July 15 from 9-10 a.m. at for the groundbreaking of the first of seven new solar installations planned for the Twin Cities campus. It's an exciting milestone as we continue expanding renewable energy and advancing our Climate Action Plan.
By Sunhari Jacob, Student Engagement Strategy Assistant
The 2026 Campus Conservation Challenge engaged more than 220 students in reducing residence hall energy use, resulting in measurable savings and increased sustainability engagement. The challenge demonstrated how collective action can create meaningful environmental impact on campus.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has received a STARS® Gold rating! The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognizes the long-term sustainability goals and performances for all higher education. Read the extended summary.
Check out an EV from HOURCAR and an electric Chevrolet Equinox from Fleet, and test ride bikes from Lime and scooters from Spin. Ice cream from the University Meat and Dairy Salesroom available while supplies last! Wed. May 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lilly Plaza.
Join the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. and show your support for sustainable commuting! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ride, connect with fellow bikers and get rewarded for your pedal power. Stop by these two campus locations for FREE treats, giveaways and services:
- University Bike Center at Oak Street Ramp
- Pleasant Street SE at University Avenue
Upcoming Coffee Chat: Student Project Spotlight
Monday, May 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Our Sustainability student staff have been busy this semester! Join us to hear everything about student sustainability work happening at the Twin Cities and University Sustainability offices.
Speakers:
- Diya Shah - Graduate Student & Data Analyst Intern, University Sustainability
- Ella Chilson - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Giselle Muñoz-Semple - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Cole Becker - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Yvonne Mongare - Undergraduate Student & Climate Resilience Public Health Task Force Coordinator, Focus on Vulnerable Communities, Office of Sustainability at Twin Cities
Recording coming soon
As Northrop approaches its centennial in 2029, the University of Minnesota landmark has reached a major milestone: one of the University’s most iconic and historic buildings is now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) v4.1 Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Gold certified.
Northrop is the first University of Minnesota facility to achieve LEED Gold under this rigorous standard for existing buildings. The certification reflects Northrop’s commitment to honor its historic legacy while building for the future, demonstrating that sustainability is not limited to new construction. Historic buildings can also evolve, improve and lead. Read more about Northrop’s LEED Gold certification and what it means
Today, on World Health Day, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham signed the Okanagan Charter, making the University a designated Health Promoting Campus.
The signing ceremony took place during the University’s Climate Resilience Teach-In, heralding the organization’s commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability. Read more about the University's commitment to the Okanagan Charter