Our Teams - Recycling


The Recycling team is responsible for all recycling efforts at the University, helping to ensure that opportunities for material-based conservation and reclamation are maximized. The division also manages waste collection at the University.

In addition to expanding opportunities to recycle, the division is actively involved in promoting efforts to improve sustainability in the University community. Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle!

— Sonny Beale, Recycling Superintendent • Email • (434) 982-5438

The recycling program focuses on maximizing recycling and reuse of materials and reducing the amount of material that ends up in a landfill. In 1991, the Commonwealth of Virginia began mandating recycling efforts. A 10% goal was initially set for a recycling rate, which grew progressively to 25% in 1995, where it remains today. The University has consistently exceeded these goals. UVA faculty, staff, students, and visitors help by saving recyclable materials and placing them in central locations in buildings where they are collected by the Recycling Team. Recyclable materials are collected from all buildings on Grounds and a select number of University occupied buildings near Grounds. The many initiatives of the Recycling team this year include:
  • Worked with the Darden Business School to begin a pilot in which more material can be culled from the waste stream by sending trash to a trash sorting and recycling facility.  The trash sorting facility enabled Darden to divert an estimated 20% of their trash from landfill.
  • Continued providing recycling services in support of office document purges recommended by the Records Management Office and initiatives such as the library program to scan, catalogue, and purge books.  
  • Continued to support the Global Sustainability class by meeting with students and providing information on materials management. 
  • Continued to work with students, faculty, and staff to maximize recycling and reuse during student move in and out and special events such as Recyclemania and Game Day Challenge.
  • Implemented recycling in the new Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center and new Transitional Care Hospital.
  • Launched a re-implementation of recycling in the University Hospital and Primary Care Center. During just the first couple of weeks, nearly 15 tons of additional paper and approximately 30 cubic yards of additional plastics, cans and glass were recycled.
  • Increased the number of recycling containers throughout Grounds in general as well as at sporting venues held in Scott Stadium and Davenport Field.
  • Negotiated new contracts for waste and recycling services and initiated meetings to identify new and improved recycling opportunities.