Join us this month as we celebrate Zero Waste October, a campus-wide initiative dedicated to reducing waste and supporting UC Berkeley’s zero waste goals. All month long, we’re spotlighting projects and programs that help our community rethink waste—from reusable systems to digital tools and campus competitions. Whether you’re a student, staff member, or visitor, there are plenty of ways to get involved! Check out our events calendar below to see what events are happening this month!
Featured Projects & Initiatives:
- Zero Waste Football – Join us for the ACC Zero Waste Football Competition Game (Cal vs. UNC) on October 17th, featuring our reusable cup program with r.World.
- Okapi Reusable Cup Program – Bring your own cup or borrow an Okapi cup at participating campus cafes to reduce single-use waste.
- ECGO App Download Competition – Download ECGO, track your waste-saving actions, earn rewards, and compete for prizes if you live in campus housing.
- Environmentally Preferred Products (EPP) Roadshow – Stop by this event to see what zero waste products are offered by participating companies. Vendors include VWR, Thermo Fisher, Blaisdell’s, and more.
- Zero Waste Events & Pop-Ups – Stop by interactive tabling events, DIY repair workshops, and zero waste fairs across campus.
- Educational Campaigns – Learn more about composting, recycling, and zero waste choices through signage, social media, and student-led outreach. See our events calendar below for specific dates and locations!
UCOP Single-Use Plastic Elimination Policy (click for external article link)
UC Berkeley is taking a bold step toward sustainability with the implementation of the UCOP Single-Use Plastic Elimination Policy, reinforcing its commitment to a zero-waste future. As part of this initiative, the university has partnered with r.World, a leading reusable cup company, to reduce plastic waste. This partnership debuted at California Memorial Stadium in Fall 2024, introducing a reusable cup system that helps cut down on single-use plastics during football games. By implementing innovative solutions like this, UC Berkeley continues to show leadership on zero waste practices on campus.
About
Cal Zero Waste manages over 25 tons of solid waste throughout campus daily and is
committed to advancing reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting programs while
providing effective collection services.
To operate these programs, Cal Zero Waste works with various other campus entities such as
Custodial Services for indoor waste, compost, and recycling collection, Landscape Services for
outdoor green waste and plant debris services, and Facilities Services Event Services for events.
Our staff consists of a Zero Waste Manager, a Zero Waste Operations Supervisor, Truck
Drivers, Groundskeepers, Zero Waste Technicians, and Staff Associates. Staff Associates are
students who work to support many zero waste programs in different areas of campus to
achieve our UC Zero Waste 2020 and Beyond goals. Projects include working with Berkeley
Dining, Residential & Student Service Programs, Cal Athletics, labs, ReUSE, Student Union,
and many other departments and organizations.
For more information about zero waste at UC Berkeley, click here to read UC Berkeley's 2019
Zero Waste Plan.
Manager, Cal Zero Waste: Lin King
