The Office of Campus Sustainability is devoted to upholding the three pillars of sustainability- environment, economy, and community- through engaging, collaborative, and leadership initiatives across campus and around the Detroit area. Our office has expanded greatly in the past few years with the inclusion of student ambassadors Compost Warriors and Green Warriors who both cultivate and foster a sustainable environment within our campus community. We have also partnered with many other groups across campus, including the WSU Grounds Services, the Custodial Department, and other partners within the Facilities Planning and Management department. Our office uses the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals to set the standards at which we develop initiatives and programs across our campus. The devotion to these areas of sustainability can be better explored in our goals below:

Mission

The Office of Campus Sustainability, campus stakeholders, and community partners collectively undertake the implementation of environmental excellence within facility operations, design and construction, innovation, scholarly activities, campus programs, community and K-12 outreach, as well as other initiatives serving the campus community. 

Vision

Wayne State University will be a leader among urban research universities in research, education, information, operations and activities related to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. 

Moral Imperatives

Collaboration Integrity Innovation Excellence Diversity and Inclusion 

The institution's guiding values identified in the strategic plan meld the campus community together across all disciplines, cultures, and objectives. Working within these values, the development of this plan incorporated the following:  

• Sustainability decision-making, operations, and outcomes should be transparent to the University community;  
• Work responsibly to ensure environmental, economic, and social stewardship of Wayne State University activities;  
• Strive toward the intersection of research, education and campus operations;  
• Embrace and promote sustainable waste reduction and conservation techniques in all aspects of the University function;  
• Embrace the University's strategic planning focus areas in working with the campus community on sustainability initiatives;  
• Develop sustainability programming for the campus community that includes tangible outcomes based on metrics that include data collection, analysis and life-cycle thinking;  
• WSU sustainability initiatives serve as a resource for the surrounding community and urban communities as a whole;  
• To promote environmental literacy to the campus community in all aspects of campus life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Does WSU recycle?

Yes!  We have a single-stream recycling system which means that plastics, paper, and metal products can all be thrown in the same bins.  Recyclables placed in the recycling dumpsters (with yellow lids) are emptied weekly by our recycling contractor.

Why won't my recyclable item fit in the green metal recycling bin?

Lift the lid to the recycling bin and place your recyclable inside the receptacle.  We use a single-stream system so all acceptable recyclables can be placed in the same green bin.

When is the recycling bin serviced in my area?

The green metal recycling bins located inside buildings are emptied as needed.  If necessary, ask your area's custodian to service a full recycling bin.  

Can I get a second metal recycling bin in my area?

Yes!  You can call 313-577-4315 to request a second recycling bin or make a service request here through Facilities.  

Can I get a desk-side recycling can?

Yes!  You can call 313-577-4315 to request a desk-side recycling can.

NOTE:  Anyone with a desk-side recycling can is asked to empty the receptacle into the green recycling bin in your area - custodial staff are not required to empty your personal bin.  

Does WSU collect food waste?

Yes!  Our Compost Program began in September 2021, as a community partnership between WSU, Georgia Street Community Collective, and FoodPLUS Detroit.  Our program is unique from other universities through the implementation of a closed-loop system, where we collect food waste from campus locations, and bring the food waste to Georgia Street Community Collective to be turned into compost, which is then used on campus in landscaping and the campus greenhouse.

Where can I drop off my food waste on campus?

The STEM Innovation and Learning Center has public-facing compost bins on every floor that you can bring your food waste to, these are serviced multiple times a week by Compost Warriors.  We also host Waste Recovery Stations regularly where you can bring your recyclables and food waste.  

What is E-Waste and how can I properly dispose of my E-Waste?

You can think of Electronic Waste as anything with a cord or anything that operates off of a battery.  To properly dispose your E-Waste please visit this page from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.