This waste analysis by Harvard Waste Management and REP is done yearly, as is a separate Harvard University Dining Services audit.
Gogan said this audit has a two-fold benefit—environmental and economic.
He said greater recycling by the Harvard community would reduce University expenditures, as Harvard pays $86 to dispose each ton of trash.
The University will also use the audit—which cost Harvard $2,000—to evaluate the efficiency of its waste programs.
Some of the participants stressed the importance of environmental awareness.
Advertisement
“Freshman, especially, aren’t aware of the recycling guidelines,” said Yui Hirohashi ’06, REP representative for Ivy Yard. “At least if you get them aware, they will consciously act in environmentally friendly ways.”