The state guideline for the rate of recycling municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2009 continued to be 25 percent. The University exceeded the state goal by recycling 43.6 percent of its MSW. This represents 3,845 tons of aluminum, paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, and other materials that were saved from being lost to a landfill. In addition to recycling MSW, the University recycled 9,022 tons of ash, tires, batteries, oil, and chemicals bringing the total recovered materials to 12,868 tons.

The total quantity of materials sent to a landfill is down by 1187 tons or more than 19% over the prior year. This is the first time in five years that the University has experienced a decline in the amount of material going to a landfill.The impressive success this year in both the increase in the quantity of materials being recovered and recycled and decrease in the quantity of materials being landfilled is due to the dedication, commitment, and efforts of UVA faculty, staff, and students, and the Facilities Management Recycling team.