![Graphic of a branch with three leaves.](/sustainability/images/images/Strategic-Plan/grounds-Objective-3.png)
Overarching Aim
To produce a comprehensive waste management plan in partnership with external stakeholders to reduce disposal of waste in local landfills and develop the university grounds for ecological stewardship
Goals
Implement a net-zero waste plan that encompasses purchasing, operations, recycling, and waste
Foster a culture of zero waste
Formalize commitments to ecologically preferable grounds design and management
Strategies
![Recycle symbol.](/sustainability/images/images/Strategic-Plan/grounds-Objective-1.png)
- 1.Assess total solid-waste and specialized waste amounts produced by the campus and hospital
- 2.Benchmark and set goals for waste reduction
- 3.Compost major organic waste streams
- 4.Develop a student-run recycling center with job-specific learning outcomes
- 5.Increase recycling revenue through in-house baling for direct sale of recyclable commodities to the market
- 6.Evaluate a business model for internal secure paper shredding for the campus and hospital
- 7.Explore innovative technology solutions for grounds management equipment
- 8.Design and manage landscapes to support native plant populations and integrated pest management
![Image of UAB recycle receptacles.](/sustainability/images/images/Strategic-Plan/grounds-objective-trash-cans.jpg)
![Group of students planting a tree.](/sustainability/images/images/Strategic-Plan/grounds-objective-planting-trees.jpg)