Sustainability Initiatives
We don’t just talk about sustainability - we take action. Check out some of the ways we're reducing our environmental impact and creating a positive impact on our community.
Composting Program
Campus Partnership with university PFOC began in August 2017. Participating dining locations include Rob's Cafe our Residential Dining Hall and 7 retail concepts in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Building. Each year over 85,000 pounds of organic waste is diverted from the landfill and transformed into nutrient-rich compost used in flowerbeds across campus.
Working Toward Zero Waste
We proudly support the sustainability goals of The University of Akron. Here are a few active initiatives.
Robust Recycling
We recycle cardboard, metal, paper, glass, and accepted plastic products, and we recycle uncommon items—such as batteries and printer cartridges—wherever possible.
Collaborative Composting
We work with UA PFOC to collect organic materials—including food waste and compostable service items such as napkins and wooden stir sticks—to be composted into useable, nutrient-rich soil amendments. We compost at Rob's Cafe and all locations in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union.
Proactive Prevention
We use tracking and forecasting tools to proactively identify food waste trends in order to alter our preparation accordingly.
Your Choices Can Make a Daily Impact
Our goal is to make it easy to offer you nutritious, environmentally, and socially conscious options wherever possible.
Showcasing Our Local Partner Relationships
The University of Akron Dining Services sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
Our Local Sourcing List is Always Growing!
- Sirna & Sons (Akron, Ohio)
- Crimson Cup (Columbus, Ohio)
- Northern Haserot (Bedford, Ohio)
- Orlando Baking Company (Cleveland, Ohio)
