The Office of Waste Management (OWM) strives to provide timely and efficient removal of solid waste generated at UMass Amherst, and, to process and dispose of these wastes in the least harmful way to the natural environment, the University community and the public.
We follow the Integrated Solid Waste Management [PDF] approach which holds that garbage is not a homogenous mass to be burned or buried and then forgotten. Instead, "garbage" consists of a heterogeneous spectrum of discarded materials and products each with specific characteristics and properties which make them more or less suitable for reuse, recycling , composting or disposal. ISWM asserts that the environment endures the least harm and receives the most benefit when garbage is reduced, reused, composted, incinerated with energy recovery and lastly put in the landfill.
About Us
The Office of Waste Management (OWM) resides on six-acres at 151 Tillson Farm Road. Our 18,000 square foot materials processing facility and yard together are known as the Waste Recovery and Transfer Facility.
What is Campus Race to Zero Waste?
UMass Amherst is competing against hundreds of other universities and colleges in Campus Race to Zero Waste 2023. A national competition that helps colleges and universities advance campus recycling, food waste diversion, and waste reduction efforts. Read about the history of past Campus Races.
Learn more about how to participate in the Campus Race to Zero Waste 2023.