Students’ Recycling Savvy

This research project assesses American University students' knowledge and comprehension of properly categorizing items into the three waste bins on campus: trash, mixed recycling, and organic waste. Specifically, the study evaluates students' understanding of appropriate waste disposal within the university's designated bins. The research interest originates from discussions in the Food for Thought class that explored the importance of food waste management and various composting methods, emphasizing reduction and recycling over disposal. A strong commitment to campus sustainability drives this study, recognizing the collective power of students in fostering meaningful environmental change within the university community. This research question highlights the necessity of education and awareness in proper waste management. A lack of knowledge in this area may indicate the need for educational initiatives promoting responsible waste disposal practices. American University upholds a zero-waste initiative, including food waste recovery and composting efforts. This study aims to provide insight into students' understanding of the waste bins encountered daily on campus.