Miami University

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Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
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Miami aims toward zero waste: Reuse your own coffee mug at Bell Tower, Dividend$

02/25/2013

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Part four of a series about sustainability pilot programs this month focusing on recycling and composting

Written by Susan Meikle with contributions from Yvette Kline and David Prytherch

To help reduce solid waste, instead of drinking coffee from a disposable cup, fill your favorite coffee mug at the air pots located in Bell Tower (pictured here) or in Dividend$

Hot coffee helps many get through a busy semester, but once used, disposable coffee cups go in the trash can. Now, for the first time, refillable coffee mugs are welcomed at two campus dining locations: Dividend$ and Bell Tower. Patrons can pick up a free key fob from cashiers at those locations and use it when they purchase coffee in their own mugs, at some savings over the regular price.

This will help reduce the thousands of coffee cups and lids that Miami sends to the landfill every day, according to Yvette Kline, director of sustainability and energy conservation.

“Many coffee shops are reducing waste and costs by encouraging reusable cups,” said David Prytherch, sustainability coordinator and co-chair of the sustainability committee. “With this first step dining services balances sustainability and food safety.”

The refillable mug program is part of a series of efforts at Miami to help reduce solid waste. The Solid Waste “Lean Team” has made recommendations to help divert more of Miami’s solid waste from the landfill, without increasing costs.

Pick up a free key fob to use when purchasing coffee in your own mug at Bell Tower and Dividend$

Other projects implemented this month include a major composting pilot at King Café; pizza box composting pilot at various residence halls; and single stream recycling pilots at King Library, Scott Hall and Cole Service Building.

The refillable mug program will continue at least through the end of the semester, according to Jon Brubacher, manager of purchasing and operations analysis. Brubacher and and Nancy Heidtman, senior director of dining/culinary support services, helped initiate the new program.

Everyone on campus is welcome to use their own mugs through the program at Bell Tower and Dividend$. The refillable mug program applies to coffee and tea but not to made-to-order drinks.