February 2024 – Page 2 – Mason Staff Senate

A large recycling bin in the foreground. The inner containers are pulled out and a man and a woman are arranging liners inside. A Facilities van and a brick building with large windows are in the background. — Kevin Brim (left), Supervisor of Recycle/Waste Management, and Colleen Regan (right), Zero Waste Specialist, both of Mason Facilities, setting up one of the new Bigbelly Solar zero waste stations. Photo credit: Ben Auger, Engagement Coordinator, Mason Facilities

This month we’re excited about the new Glass Recycling Pilot, and the appearance of no fewer than 23 new Bigbelly Zero Waste stations across Fairfax and Mason Square (Arlington) campuses!

Following the successful pilot of the zero waste station at Northern Neck Starbucks, Facilities recently installed the 23 new stations, five of which also include industrial composting bins for food scraps and certified compostable items, in addition to the standard recycling and trash disposal options.

Three large bins with pedal opening, standing side by side against a brick wall. They display symbols indicating that they are for (from left to right) recycling, trash, and composting. — One of the new Bigbelly Solar zero waste stations, located outside Southside Dining, featuring recycling, trash, and industrial compost options. Photo credit: April Lopez

You can find more information about the new Bigbelly stations, including their locations, on the Facilities News website.

For more ways to divert your waste from incineration and to redistribute and dispose of unwanted items sustainably and creatively, see the University Sustainability’s Zero Waste Mason webpage.

Could your office or workspace make a waste reduction ‘pledge’ in time for Earth Month in April? Join the Greener Mason Community on Teams and share your ideas!

Mason is launching a drop-off recycling pilot for glass bottles and jars starting January 2024! All Mason community members can recycle their empty glass bottles and jars at pilot drop-off trailers on the Fairfax Campus.

Glass recycling trailers will follow a rotating schedule starting January 2024: see neighborhood locations and schedule here (calendar under ‘Glass Bottles and Jars’).

Did you know glass is endlessly recyclable? Recycling your glass bottles and jars provides a sustainable alternative to sand mining and new glass production. Support Zero Waste Mason and recycle your empty glass bottles and jars at Mason’s purple trailers whenever you can!

Learn more about Mason’s new Glass Recycling Pilot program and find drop-off locations on the Fairfax Campus: go.gmu.edu/zerowaste.