Participate in Beyond Waste 2026
Beyond Waste is Cornell's annual waste reduction campaign that empowers everyone to rethink our relationship to waste, purchasing, and the lifecycle of the products we use. Throughout February and March, Cornell reports weekly recycling, compost, and landfill metrics (plus electronics recycling totals in March) to the national Campus Race to Zero Waste competition as we compete with colleges & universities across North America to reduce waste and improve diversion on our campuses.

Join the campaign by committing to a waste-reducing action, participating in events and training, and see how Cornell compares in CR2ZW's annual waste tracking competition. However you choose to join the campaign, help us envision the creative future of a campus 'beyond waste.' Waste isn’t inevitable.

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Anyone can host an event!  See the Beyond Waste website for helpful tips on how to participate, and sign up for the Sustainability Listserv to stay in the know about Beyond Waste opportunites and events.

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Featured Events 

• Mending the Rift Between Fashion and Our Future
  Thursday, February 26, 2026 · 4pm–6pm · Atkinson Hall, 121, 350 Tower Road
  Join Cornell researchers and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability for an interactive discussion and showcase on sustainability within the fashion industry. Please Register
   
• Electronics Recycling
  Every Wednesday in March: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
  Free electronics recycling at the Cornell Recycle Center (251 Solidago Rd), 8:00am–3:00pm.
   
• Computer & Equipment Donation Drop off
  Every Sunday · 1–3 pm · Gates Hall G11
  Looking to rehome working electronics? Donate computers & equipment to the Cornell Computer Reuse Association (CCRA), who will wipe data, repair equipment, and donate working systems to partners around the world.
   
• [Call for Art] ReImagine: Sustainable Art & Objects
  Submissions due March 20 · Exhibit 3/24-4/17 · MVR 1250 
  Submit your recycled/upcycled art & objects to CHE Green Team's Annual upcycling art exhibit, Re-Imagine: Sustainable Art & Objects, open 3/24 - 4/17 in the MVR 1250 Gallery. 
   

Events

• From the Brink: Contributions to a Sustainable Future
  February 9 – April 2026 · Ongoing · Cornell University (Multiple locations)
  A series of exhibits highlighting Cornell research and initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future.
   
• CCRA Friday Meeting – Tech help & open workshop 
  Feb 20, 2026 · 4:30pm–6:30pm · Gates Hall G09
  The Cornell Computer Reuse Association (CCRA) refurbishes and donates computers to humanitarian organizations and the local Ithaca community.
   
• Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival – Day 1
  Saturday, February 21, 2026 · 7:00pm · Bailey Hall
  An evening of adventure, environment, and mountain culture films from the Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival.
   
• Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival – Day 2
  Sunday, February 22, 2026 · 7:00pm · Bailey Hall
  The second night of screenings featuring new outdoor and environmental films.
   
• Computational Sustainability Career Night
  Wednesday, February 25, 2026 · 6:00pm-8pm · Warren Hall 151
  Come attend a panel-style event with speakers from the world of computational sustainability! Learn about the intersection of technology and sustainability, including how professionals found their current career and where technological and computational sustainability is heading in the future. Warren Hall 151
   
• Scale on Screen: Waste Land
  Tuesday, March 3, 2026 · 6:00pm· Willard Straight Hall
  A screening exploring waste, art, and social change.
   
• Electronics Recycling
  Every Wednesday in March: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
  Free electronics recycling at the Cornell Recycle Center (251 Solidago Rd), 8:00am–3:00pm.
   
• EcoAthletes Collegiate Cup: A University Fitness Challenge for Climate Action
  March 10 – April 22 · Earth Day
  Track workouts on the Climate Games app.
   
• [VOLUNTEER] North Gorge Clean-Up
  March 21 · 2:30–4:30pm · North Gorge (meet at Olive Tjaden Hall)
  Community volunteer hike followed by a free ice cream social at the Cornell Dairy Bar 🍦 (registration required).
   
• Threads of Hope Project Donation Drive
  Wednesdays until April 22 · 5:45–6:45pm · Morrill Hall 110
  The Threads of Hope Project collects new and gently used shoes, clothing, and winter gear (gloves, hats, scarves, etc.) for all ages and sizes. Donations of reusable bags would also be appreciated.