UK Recycling shares key gains and strategic shifts in annual report
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 2, 2025) — University of Kentucky Recycling has released its 2024 Annual Report showcasing both major strides and challenges as the campus community continues to work toward its goal of becoming a zero-waste campus by 2030.
In 2024, UK’s academic campus achieved a 39% waste diversion rate — a slight decline from the growth experienced in previous years attributed primarily to a drop in weight from three key waste streams: concrete, pallets and surplus property sales. Despite the dip in diversion rate, the report emphasizes that the university remains committed to its goal and is strategically refocusing efforts on high-impact areas such as construction waste and food waste recovery.
“Becoming a zero-waste campus is a university-wide goal and we can’t do it alone,” said Ryan Lark, zero waste specialist in Facilities Management. “Our progress is a testament to the partnerships we’ve built over the years. While 2024 presented challenges, it also gave us valuable insights that drive our focus in 2025.”
2024 marked several notable accomplishments:
- Food waste collection increased by 243%, reaching 221 tons, thanks to program expansion to all retail dining locations, UK Athletics facilities and select residential units.
- UK achieved its highest-ever waste diversion rate at a football game, reaching 42% during the match up against Auburn University.
- The launch of UK Recycling’s Waste Wizard provided students, faculty and staff with instant, tailored guidance for proper waste disposal.
- Give and Go donations during the spring move-out grew by 31% over the previous year, diverting 21,700 pounds of usable items from the landfill in part thanks to an expansion of the program into some fraternity and sorority chapter houses.
Looking ahead, UK Recycling is prioritizing improvements in concrete recycling — a material that, due to its weight, has substantial potential to influence the campus diversion rate. Efforts to strengthen existing partnerships and foster new ones across the institution are also a continuing priority.
UK Recycling is hosting a virtual town hall at 1 p.m. June 4 to present last year’s waste reduction efforts and gain feedback. The event is open to anyone at UK. Register to join here.
To read the full annual report or learn more about UK’s recycling initiatives, visit recycleblue.uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.