The Campus Race to Zero Waste (CR2ZW) is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities. Over an 8-week period, CMU tracks the weights of how much we throw out, how much food we donate, and how much we recycle. With the goal of increasing our diversion and recycling rates throughout the competition!
The 2025 competition is from February 2 - March 29. Want to be involved? Check out the schedule of events:
2025 EVENTS
During the 8 week competition there will be activities, events, and promotions to encourage the campus community to reduce their race. Check back here or follow the @CMUGreenPractices Instagram page for updates and event details.
While the competition is just 8 weeks each February and March, you can participate all year by consuming less, reusing more, and choosing to recycle or compost when you can.
Choose to Reuse: No Sew Tote Bag Make and Take
Friday, February 7 @1-3 pm
Sustainability Studio, main floor of Hunt Library
Take a break and make a no-sew reusable bag out of an old t-shirt! Make one for yourself and/or make one for the CMU Food Pantry. Drop by anytime, it only takes a few minutes! Supplies will be provided or bring your own t-shirt.
Upcycled Valentine Make and Take
Wednesday, February 12 @4:30 - 6:30 pm
Sustainability Studio, main floor of Hunt Library
Join us for a unique twist on gift-giving! Craft eco-friendly treasures with us - upcycled wonders that use items destined for the landfill, transformed into works of art that speak volumes of your love. Dive into creativity, make memories, and celebrate a sustainable Valentine's Day with us!
Trash Sort Challenge
February 17-28 at various times
Cohon University Center
Test your knowledge with our Trash Sort Game! Stop by the table in the CUC to play a fun game, pick up some great swag to help reduce waste, and learn about upcoming CR2ZW events.
DIY Cotton Rounds Make and Take
Thursday, March 13 @5-7 pm
Location TBD
Want to save over 700 cotton rounds a year? Have too many unwanted t-shirts or fabric scraps? Bring them to our event (or we’ll have extra supplies) and make reusable cotton rounds!
Fix-it Fair: Mending Workshop
Thursday, March 20 @3-6 pm
Sustainability Studio, main floor of Hunt Library
Do you have shirts missing buttons or pants that need hemmed? Don't throw them out... bring them to the Fix-it Fair! We'll have menders available to help you repair your items and make them good as new. Don't have anything needing repairing , but want to learn? Stop by to learn a few new mending skills.
RANKINGS AND COMPETITIONS
CR2ZW offers different levels of reporting for participation in the 8-week competition. CMU will compete in national competitions in the following categories:
- Diversion Category - the school with the highest waste diversion percentage. Diversion is determined by the percentage of the total weight of recyclables and food organics diverted from total waste generated.
- Stephen K Gaski Per Capita Classic - the school that collects the largest combined amount of paper, cardboard, and bottles and cans on a per person basis.
- Food Organics - points are awarded for food waste minimization activities and the amount of food that is diverted from the landfill.
Visit campusracetozerowaste.com for more information about the national competition.
RECENT RESULTS
2024 CR2ZW Results
During the 2024 8-week competition, CMU recycled 51.8 tons and donated or composted 43.0 tons of food. Click the image below for additional details:
2023 CR2ZW Results
During the 2023 8-week competition, CMU recycled 46.0 tons and donated or composted 19.9 tons of food.
2022 CR2ZW Results
Carnegie Mellon was a winner in the Waste Minimization category of the 2022 Case Study Competition!
During the 2022 8-week competition, CMU recycled 36.9 tons and donated or composted 46.1 tons of food.
