USC is eliminating single-use plastic beverage bottles
Single-use plastics are causing global problems — and plastic water and beverage bottles are major contributors. Every year billions of tons of plastic waste are landfilled, incinerated, or dumped in the ocean, where they leach pollutants into our water, air, soil, and food. Currently in the U.S., less than 8% of all discarded plastics are recycled. We need systemic change to reduce negative environmental and public health impacts.
To help address the crisis, USC is working to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles from campus. In support of the zero waste goal in Assignment: Earth, we plan to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles from campus by:
- Transitioning to beverage container alternatives including glass and aluminum which can be more sustainably sourced than plastic and have increased recyclability
- Encouraging the use of water-bottle filling stations, water coolers/dispensers, and water fountains instead of single-use plastic water bottles
For questions, contact plasticfreeusc@usc.edu.
Announcements
USC’s unofficial school color? Green
USC is transitioning from non-biodegradable plastic beverage bottles to more sustainable packaging in partnership with university vendors.
News
- LA City Council to phase out single-use plastics at city facilities, events
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Wednesday (April 27, 2022) to begin phasing out single-use plastics from city facilities and city-sponsored events.… - Undergraduate Student Government to expand sustainability initiatives
The Undergraduate Student Government hopes to expand and progress on their sustainability initiatives in the 2022-23 year by advocating for recycling bins to…
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about USC’s single-use plastic beverage and water bottle elimination policy and best practices.
What You Can Do
- Use a refillable water bottle, and fill up at one of the 205 hydration stations across campuses.
- Take the sustainability pledge and get 10% off on a reusable water bottle from the USC Bookstore.
- Book your campus events with USC Hospitality Private Events and Conferences and request caterers and materials that prioritize waste reduction.
- Avoid single-use items for events and everyday living. Prioritize reuse, and products that can be safely used multiple times.
What USC Is Doing
- Providing more access to compost and recycling waste streams. USC has installed 98 new exterior multi-stream waste bins across HSC, UPC, and USC Village.
- USC Hospitality has transitioned their dining operations away from single-use plastics to sustainable alternatives.
Taking Action
Tommy Trojan makes plastic water bottles disappear
@uscedu Plastic bottles?! 🙅🙅🙅 USC will eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all campuses and at sporting events by 7/1!👏 #USCEarthWeek #USC #TommyTrojan #FightOn ♬ Ah ah ah – kriptozavr