What are centralized waste collection systems?
Centralized waste collection systems are a more sustainable way of managing waste. Instead of providing a separate trash bin in every room of a building, trash is collected at central stations located throughout a facility.
A building may have one centralized waste station or several, depending on the size and occupancy. These stations may include recycling and compost bins in addition to trash.
What are the benefits of centralized waste collection?
In August 2020, Facilities Services notified OSU employees that personal office trash cans would no longer be emptied by our contracted custodial staff. This decision was made for multiple reasons including better stewardship of our financial resources, support for the university's sustainability goals and our commitment to preventing plastic waste from entering landfills.
- Reduces plastic waste from trash bin liners.
- Reduces problems with pests and food waste in trash bins.
- Reduces labor costs, in alignment with university goals.
- Encourages recycling and composting as alternatives to sending waste to landfills.
While this change was initiated in 2020, it may not have been fully rolled out in your building. As of August 2025, the new process for waste collection will be implemented university-wide.
How much plastic does it take to empty the trash?
Plastic trash bags may seem small, but across the university, the waste adds up fast. One of our custodial partners, ABM, provided us with the statistics about trash bin liner use at OSU (2023 data).
Total trash bags used
1.2 million
Total carbon impact
55.2 metric tons
Oil required for bags
185,500 barrels
Plastic bags saved by centralizing trash collection at OSU
245,000 bags
How will trash bins be managed going forward?
Custodial staff will continue to manage and empty trash bins located in restrooms, kitchens, break rooms, copy rooms, hallways and other central locations. The change in process applies only to trash bins located in personal offices.
If you would like to continue using a personal trash bin in your office, you may purchase plastic liners and empty it as needed into your building's central trash collection bins.
What if an employee needs an ADA accommodation?
Any employee with accessibility concerns regarding personal office trash cans may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access to request an accommodation.