College Council

The College Council is a program of the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling designed to provide a forum for college students, staff, and faculty to share information about common challenges and best practices related to recycling, waste prevention, and other environmental issues.  The College Council is a membership-based program offering a number of members-only benefits, including discounted memberships, and conference registration fees.  

Chair:  Celeste McMickle

Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities in 2026!

 

GRANT FOR COLLEGE COUNCIL MEMBER INSTITUTIONS

NYSAR3 is proud to offer to our College Council Member Institutions an opportunity to receive funding through our annual College Council Grant.  The Grant provides funding toward campus projects that focus on source reduction, reuse, and recycling, including composting and food waste management. The grant application is released each year in the spring and awardees are announced on or near Earth Day. This grant is offered with support supported from the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at ESF. Learn more! 

 

 

COLLEGE COUNCIL UNIVERSITY POSTER SHOWCASE

Calling All College Students! 

Every year at our Annual Conference & Trade Show happening in November, we invite all College Council Member Institutions and their students, along with non-member Colleges, to participate in our University Student Poster Showcase.   This allows students an opportunity to come to the conference and display a poster demonstrating their research work and interact with conference attendees.  Students are invited to attend complimentary, the day of the Showcase.      

The Invitation:

We invite undergraduate and graduate students from across New York State to submit an abstract of 300 – 500 words on their research, project, or student-led program (on- or off-campus) related to sustainable materials management (SMM). Posters may be on any topic relating to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and other SMM strategies, solutions, or challenges. Poster topics do not need to fall under the following categories to be considered. Emerging topics in SMM that are of interest include: 

  • Deconstruction is the concept of dismantling current waste management practices from demolition and exploring circular economy models for existing building materials. Students will present ideas for repurposing, upcycling, and diverting construction materials from the waste stream, envisioning a future where construction materials are viewed as a valuable resource for new development projects 

  • Plastic free campus is the practice of reducing or eliminating single-use plastics on college campuses. Posters in this category should highlight successful initiatives and strategies that can be implemented across college campuses to reduce plastic usage. By showcasing tangible alternatives to single-use plastics and promoting behavior change, students can inspire their peers to create plastic-free environments.

  • Microplastic alternatives aim to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Posters in this category should explore viable alternatives to microplastic-containing or -releasing products, contributing to the mitigation of this global concern.

  • Fast fashion alternatives will address the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and identify sustainable alternatives such as second-hand shopping, ethical fashion brands, and conscious consumer choices. Students may also address textile recycling, discussing approaches to reuse or repurpose fabric scraps and worn clothing items. 

  • Recycling confusion or “Wish-cycling” is the practice of placing items in the recycling bin that may appear recyclable, but in reality, are not suitable for recycling. Students will demonstrate educational approaches aimed at raising campus and public awareness about the concept of wish-cycling and their local recycling guidelines.

  • Communication and outreach entails spreading awareness and engaging communities through various channels such as social media, educational campaigns, and community events. Posters in this category will effectively convey messages about waste reduction, recycling, and other sustainable practices to inspire individuals and communities to take action towards a more environmentally responsible future.

  • Social aspects of sustainable materials management will address community engagement and environmental justice considerations to responsibly manage materials throughout their life cycles. Posters in this category should aim to demonstrate how to apply collaborative approaches to engage diverse communities to maximize waste reduction, resource efficiency, and mutually-beneficial outcomes. 

The theme for the 2026 NYSAR3 Conference and Trade show is under consideration now. We encourage students to incorporate how their project would support our selected theme in their posters, but it is not required.

The Showcase: 

We accept up to 10 abstracts and those selected will be invited to participate in the event to showcase a poster displaying their work. Posters will be on display during our Annual Conference and students will have the opportunity to stand with their posters to share their work with attendees of the conference that day. 

 

The Logistics: 

The Poster Showcase tentative agenda: 

  • 7:00 am – 7:30 am Poster set up. 

  • 8:00 am – 9:00 am Conference attendees can look at posters and students can network or attend other meetings taking place. 

  • 10:15 am – 11:15 am Students are expected to stand next to their posters during this time to share their work with attendees and answer any questions. 

  • 11:15 – 11:30 am Poster clean up.  

 

Poster: 

Posters should be no larger than 36”x48” and for set up purposes 24" x 36" works very well and is preferred.  Please have proper backing to support your poster on an easel.  

Posters should include:

  • Title

  • Name of student and any additional authors

  • Description of research/project/student-led program and goals

  • Methods used, if applicable

  • Results

  • Conclusions

  • Future direction of research, project, or student-led program

  • Bibliography, if applicable

  • Acknowledgements

  • College/University logo

  • Backing to support the poster

 

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

 NYSAR3 offers two scholarships for a complimentary 3-day admission, to current, active students wishing to attend our Annual Conference.  Whether you are participating in the Poster Showcase or not, we encourage students to come and integrate themselves in the 3R Industry.  

Stay tuned for our 2026 scholarship details to be announced as we approach our Annual Conference.