Resource Recovery at UT-Austin

From our first cohort to today, thank you for 10 years of impact🔟💥

Ten weeks ago, we kicked off a celebration of 10 years of the Resource Recovery Internship Program. Since then, we’ve looked back on each cohort, shared stories from past and current interns, and highlighted the faculty, staff, and student leaders who have helped lead zero waste progress into what it is today.

This vast community of past & present interns has advanced waste reduction, surplus reuse, composting, recycling, and countless other initiatives across campus. Their work has left a lasting impact on UT Austin, helping shape a zero waste culture.

As we close out this campaign, we’re filled with gratitude for every intern, supervisor, campus partner, and champion who has contributed to the program’s success over the past decade. While we’re celebrating ten years of impact, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

As Bridget Blizzard shared, “The Resource Recovery Internship Program has empowered students to become leaders, problem-solvers, and advocates for sustainability. The impact of these students extends far beyond their time on campus, and I am excited to see how the next generation of interns will continue to shape a more sustainable future.”

Join us on our journey to the next 10 years!

From our first cohort to today, thank you for 10 years of impact💥🔟

Ten weeks ago, we kicked off a celebration of 10 years of the Resource Recovery Internship Program. Since then, we’ve looked back on each cohort, shared stories from past and current interns, and highlighted the faculty, staff, and student leaders who have helped lead zero waste progress into what it is today.

This vast community of past & present interns has advanced waste reduction, surplus reuse, composting, recycling, and countless other initiatives across campus. Their work has left a lasting impact on UT Austin, helping shape a zero waste culture.

As we close out this campaign, we’re filled with gratitude for every intern, supervisor, campus partner, and champion who has contributed to the program’s success over the past decade. While we’re celebrating ten years of impact, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

As Bridget Blizzard shared, “The Resource Recovery Internship Program has empowered students to become leaders, problem-solvers, and advocates for sustainability. The impact of these students extends far beyond their time on campus, and I am excited to see how the next generation of interns will continue to shape a more sustainable future.”

Join us on our journey to the next 10 years!

2025-2026: All time high for ⬆️🏆

This was a big year for the team, with students helping expand the Zero Waste Building System to ETC and supporting the launch of UT Free Food. The UT Surplus Reuse Store had a record number of goods sold in May, at 61,391 pounds.

Most importantly, we want to give a huge shoutout to our graduating seniors. Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and dedication to advancing waste reduction and sustainability efforts across campus.

2024-2025: ZWBS starts up ♻️📋🏙️

This week, we’re highlighting the 2024–2025 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! This was the year the UT Campus Computer Store became an official e-waste collection location as well as launching the Zero Waste Building System at the Moody College

The program updates the indoor waste bin system for the future by matching waste bin needs to building space use and centralizing waste stations. Custodial Services estimates a 30% reduction in bags per month in pilot buildings, clearer hallways, and improved staff workloading.

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!

2023-2024: Did you know you can compost your pizza boxes? 🍕💥

This week, we’re highlighting the 2023–2024 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! This was the year students helped expand campus composting efforts through the pizza box composting pilot and by providing free shredded paper compost bags to faculty and staff. Stay tuned for BIG updates on pizza box composting, and reach out if you’re interested in starting shredded paper composting in your office!

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!

2022-2023: Paper Towels Only ✅

This week, we’re highlighting the 2022–2023 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! This was the year our paper towel compost program was fully rolled out on campus. This is valuable because paper towels make up on average 10% by weight of waste leaving buildings and play an important role in the composting process by helping balance pH levels. Please be mindful about what you put into restroom bins, as only paper towels can go in.

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!

Notice any changes to the ETC? ♻️ 🔬

We have just added one more building to our Zero Waste Building System! Over the course of two weeks, we optimized waste allocation by adding mini landfill cans to deskside recycling bins, which can be transported to central stations throughout the building! Longhorns are adapting to the future, with increased access to recycling and more efficient, convenient sorting!

Stay tuned for our next project, and reach out with any questions on the new waste collection

2021-2022: Fueling waste diversion, one battery at a time 🔋🕺⚡️

This week, we’re highlighting the 2021-2022 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! One year after the introduction of the ZWEco Supply Store, more than 4000 BPI Compostable products were sold. This cohort built on existing programs while also launching new initiatives, like single-use alkaline battery recycling collection.

Curious how to recycle your batteries at UT, especially through our once-per-term program? Reach out - we’re happy to help!

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!

2020-2021: Sorting made easier than ever 🔀🍳😌

This week, we’re highlighting the 2020–2021 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! This was the year we made it even easier for our campus community to sort waste correctly — launching our sorting database, rolling out newly updated and standardized signage across campus, and introducing the ZWEco Supply Store to support zero waste events and workplaces.

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!

2019-2020: Zero Waste Hero Launches 🦹🚀🤩

This week, we’re highlighting the 2019-2020 cohort of the Resource Recovery Internship Program! This was the year students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of zero waste at UT, our zero waste events team was piloted, and UT began hauling its own compost.

As part of our 10-year celebration, we’re sharing the milestones and stories from each cohort to show the impact more than 350 interns have made on campus and the value of the experience for them. Celebrate with us!