Yes, the university Waste Reduction Task Force outlined an action plan in their 2019 Report. A primary recommendation they outlined is to encourage waste reduction across campus via reusable mugs, beverage cups, and other reusable food containers and to reduce single-use plastic bags. 

As of August 2023, Penn State Housing and Food Services stopped use of Styrofoam products at its residential dining locations at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses. All dining locations will use either recyclable, reusable, or compostable containers. The initiative is described in an August 18, 2023 Penn State News story “Housing and Food Services transitioning away from using Styrofoam products: As of Aug. 14, Styrofoam products will no longer be used at residential dining locations.” The change is a part of the University’s larger effort to remove unnecessary campus waste.

The university is exploring, with the guidance of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs Manager and the interim director of the composting facility, how to improve the composting operation that, if done, will enable us to reduce single-use plastics and convert to compostable food service ware.  

The university Recycling Policy establishes a Recycling and Reuse Policy with a targeted goal to develop and implement a policy that will promote waste reduction at the University to include recycling, reuse, composting, and green purchasing. 

Learn more about Penn State’s Progress on SDG 14 HERE.