n0w (Nearly Zero Waste)

The n0w (Nearly Zero Waste) project promotes actions aimed at reducing residual (unsorted) waste and improving the quality of separate waste collection.

Internal waste sorting is organised using a new colour-coding system for different waste types, in line with the UNI 11686 standard. “Let the colours guide you” is the approach used to promote environmental awareness and to make it easier for the University community to understand and adopt good waste separation practices.

Through a launch video and additional communication materials — such as boxes and postcards — the n0w project has actively engaged students and staff, encouraging them to share their views on environmental challenges and to take concrete actions in support of sustainability.

The five key points

1. New colour coding for waste sorting

To make waste separation more intuitive, the University has introduced a new colour palette:

• Brown: Organic waste
• Green: Glass
• Grey: Residual (unsorted) waste
• Blue: Paper
• Yellow: Multi-material (plastics and metals)

Important note: blue no longer indicates plastic, but exclusively paper.

2. New recycling stations and container distribution

New recycling stations have been installed in the main common areas of the University. Each station has containers for four waste fractions:

• Organic
• Residual (unsorted)
• Paper
• Multi-material (plastics and metals)

Glass containers are also available near vending machines.

Specific locations:

• Offices: only paper bins are provided.
• Bathrooms – handwashing areas: bins are dedicated exclusively to paper, except where electric hand dryers are installed.
• Women’s and mixed bathrooms: new stainless-steel bins with pedal-operated lids have been installed for sanitary products, clearly labelled by waste type.

3. Compostable cups in vending machines

With the introduction of new vending machines, the following have been implemented:

• compostable cups;
• compostable stirrers.

All these materials must be disposed of in the organic waste fraction.

Users can also choose to use their own cup or mug, avoiding single-use containers and their cost, paying only for the beverage (saving 5 cents).

In 2026, dedicated containers for the correct disposal of cups and stirrers will be added to recycling stations.

4. Monitoring waste sorting

The latest update on waste sorting data at the University (end of January 2026) includes:

• the average percentage of separate waste collection
• trends over time
• results by individual sites.

5. Awards, engagement and continuous improvement

In order to encourage improvements in waste sorting, CoSA has awarded the “Best Performer n0w” title to the site (department, office building or teaching centre) achieving the highest rate of separate waste collection every two months since November 2025.
Recognition is given through the award of a certificate and the distribution of sustainable gadgets such as reusable water bottles to all those who contributed (students, academic, reception and cleaning staff), as promoters and implementers of good practices within the University.

Follow the CoSA Instagram page to see the latest Best Performer sites: Instagram/unipisostenibile

Watch the information video featuring the student community at the Polo Piagge.