Boise State is implementing innovative waste minimization efforts across campus. From food and clothing to bikes and surplus materials, these initiatives showcase how departments and programs are making a tangible impact on sustainability.
Here are some of the waste diversion efforts being made on campus:
Dining Halls
- Buster’s Kitchen removed disposable food trays, encouraging patrons to take only what they can eat, which significantly reduces food waste.
- Buster’s Kitchen uses 100% reusable dining ware, including plates, bowls, silverware, and cups – cutting waste with every meal.
- Buster’s Kitchen tracks daily attendance and measures food waste after plates are cleared, allowing them to monitor waste per person. This data helps optimize meal planning and reduce overall food waste.
- Buster’s Kitchen uses reusable take-out boxes by OZZI for students and staff who need to eat on the run or have leftover food. Those with a meal plan can sign up to participate in the program, allowing them to return their used to-go boxes and pick up a fresh one for their next meal.
Campus Food Pantry
The Campus Food Pantry collects excess food from local stores, redistributing the food to students and keeping it out of the landfill.
The Campus Food Pantry is a place for ALL students to access food and hygiene products. Simply bring your student ID card to the Campus School, and staff there will assist you in selecting whatever it is you need!
Information about Boise State Food Pantry
Two clothing closets
Boise State offers two clothing closets to support students with free and sustainable clothing options. Both closets accept gently used donations.
The Campus Clothing Closet
Open to all currently enrolled Boise State students, the Campus Clothing Closet provides good-quality clothing at no cost. Students can schedule an appointment to visit the closet and select items that suit them by contacting the Student Connections and Support Center in the Student Union Building. Learn more and schedule a visit.
The Atkins Law Career Closet
The Atkins Law Career Closet in the College of Business & Economics is a supportive resource available to Broncos of all majors and identities. It provides professional attire at no cost to students and recent graduates for interviews, career fairs, internships, research conferences, and similar professional events. Learn more and schedule a visit.
Cycle Learning Center
In addition to bike repair and rental services, the Cycle Learning Center (CLC) at Boise State works to recover and salvage abandoned bicycles on campus. Bicycles deemed suitable for repair are restored and made available for resale to students, promoting both reuse and sustainability.
Organic waste
Boise State composts landscape organic waste on campus. Organic materials from landscape maintenance that are more difficult to compost are sent to Timbercreek Recycling.
Construction waste
Boise State encourages construction contractors to dispose of waste responsibly. Metal waste is always recycled. Other waste is recycled or reused on a case-by-case basis.
A significant effort was made to recycle construction waste during the construction of the LEED-certified Syringa residence hall.