Through robust recycling, composting initiatives and more, we’ve successfully diverted thousands of pounds of waste from the landfill, creating a more sustainable Forty Acres. These ongoing initiatives aim to minimize landfill impact, enhance composting efficiency and create more environmentally responsible operations across campus.

Using groundbreaking technology to reduce food waste in our dining halls, our AI-driven analysis program calculates food waste from your plate and in the kitchens. This provides our dining team with actionable data to inform menu planning and prevent overproduction.

To reduce hazardous waste and support campus sustainability goals, we participate in UT Austin’s Resource Recovery, Green Labs, and Environmental Health and Safety battery collection initiative, offering battery recycling services across our offices.

Grounds for Grounds is a collaborative sustainability program between our eight campus coffee shops and Landscape Facilities. Designed to divert used coffee grounds from the landfill, Grounds for Grounds transforms them into nutrient-rich compost to nourish the soil across campus landscapes.

We partner with a variety of departments across campus, from the UT Office of Sustainability to UT Resource Recovery and more. We also partner with teams within our own department, such as Longhorn Hospitality, to bring sustainable waste management to events on campus. Through these partnerships, we further on-campus sustainability initiatives through educational events, project development, academic classes and volunteer opportunities.

Through our partnership with the Humane World for Animals Forward Food program, we became the nation’s first university to reach 50% plant-based entrees, setting a new standard for sustainable dining in higher education. Additionally, we prioritize local purchasing, which supports Texas farmers and reduces our environmental footprint. By emphasizing local sourcing, we strengthen community food systems while offering students more sustainable dining options.

We offer two interactive events per year which highlight the breadth and impact of our sustainability programming. Earth Month Kick Off is a signature event that showcases our sustainability initiatives. During National Sustainability Month in October, we host the Sustainability Vendor Showcase where you can meet our food vendors who supply sustainable products to our dining halls and retail locations.

We cohost a capstone project class with UT’s Department of Sustainability to provide experiential education to upperclassmen through hands-on experience with sustainable waste management in a real-world setting.

Throughout the year, we offer multiple student internship positions to work on teams across our sustainability operations. There are a wide range of opportunities to apply to, including data analysis, zero waste management, market logistics and garden operations.