Waste Reduction

University Dining is committed to leading the way in waste reduction efforts.
In this Section

It's no exaggeration that University Dining has pioneered the recycling and composting efforts across the Stout campus for decades. We are committed to leading the way in waste reduction efforts, and continuously striving to improve. Here are some highlights of what we do:

Green to go container
 Recyclemania

Recycling & Composting
  • Spearheaded the first expanded recycling efforts on campus in 1991.
  • Set the standard for campus-wide composting practices in 2010.
  • Green To Go program provides free reusable containers to on-campus students
  • Mug Club program, bring your own container and receive $0.10 off beverages
  • University Dining Service donates to local food pantries 
  • Significant reduction in print materials 
  • Participate annually in campus-wide Recyclemania 
Waste Analysis Studies
  • Waste studies are conducted regularly to raise the awareness of our entire staff, an effort to remain mindful of our responsibilities and minimizing waste.
    • Patron plate waste analyses
    • Back-of-house waste analyses
    • In these studies, all natural non-edible by-products (rinds, bones, ice, etc.) are manually removed to ensure we are truly calculating edible food waste.
  • Used cooking oils are responsibly recycled to a local farmer to be used for bio-diesel fuel.
  • Within our administrative offices we recycle all paper products, batteries, laptops, and other electronics. Whenever possible, we send functional electronics to UW-Stout Surplus to be re-used by others.
  • For many years UDS has chosen EcoLab for our cleaning products and systems. Considered one of the most efficient systems in the industry, EcoLab also minimizes waste by using dissolvable packets instead of plastic containers