Waste Stewardship Steering Committee

• Founded in FY22, made up of members from FMO Recycling, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office for Sustainability
• Builds on the FMO leadership for the last 30 years that developed the university’s reuse, recycling, and composting programs
• As outlined as an objective in Harvard’s Sustainability Action Plan: develop a strategic zero-waste plan by the end of 2024 that will include guidance and resources to help Schools and Units to create their own zero-waste plans and goals

Waste Stewardship Working Group

• 60+ person group, comprised of representatives from all schools and major units at Harvard
• Met six times in 2024
• Participated in interactive group sessions facilitated by the Steering Committee to guide and shape the development of the framework

The Harvard community has a longstanding commitment to efficient resource management. The Waste Stewardship framework will take our work to the next level and truly ensure that we are using university and environmental resources responsibly. Our ability to realize a zero waste future will require a systemic approach in which each of us will play an important role. At Harvard, we aim to sustainably manage all material streams—including plastics, electronics, recyclables, and organics, as well as construction, demolition, universal, and hazardous wastes—while prioritizing waste prevention and reduction. Not only is this beneficial for the environment, but reducing waste also ensures efficient use of finances, assets, and natural resources.