Cardboard Collection During Move-In

During fall move-in, BU Sustainability works with Facilities Management & Operations to collect the vast amounts of cardboard used by students and their families. When folded down and stacked up on top of each other, the cardboard collected for recycling would stand twice as high as the StuVi II residence hall. To make recycling this large volume of cardboard easier, BU sets up 27 “cardboard corrals” around campus. During the 2024 move-in, BU collected 29 tons of cardboard, which was recycled by Casella, our resource management partner. We also saw a 61-ton reduction in waste during the move-in period over previous years.

Choose to Reuse Continues to Grow

In the 2023-2024 academic year, BU Dining Services issued over 194,000 containers with a 96% return rate. The program is now available at 12 different locations on campus. Through significant reductions in single-use disposable take-out containers, the Boston University community was able to divert 16,462 pounds of waste, save 114,822 gallons of water, and avoid 119,661 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Green Seal Certification

In March 2024, Boston University earned the Green Seal Standard for Commercial and Industrial Cleaning Services. BU is one of eight colleges and universities to hold this certification. Green Seal is a global nonprofit focused on the increased use of safe and sustainable cleaning products. This certification showcases the University’s commitment to utilizing sustainable cleaning products and processes, and having highly trained staff skilled in effective green cleaning practices.