Bellevue College Launches 'Waste Free BC' to Promote Sustainability

New Microsoft Teams group aims to reduce waste through sharing and reuse of items on campus

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Bellevue College has launched a new initiative called 'Waste Free BC,' a Microsoft Teams group designed to facilitate the sharing and reuse of items among students, faculty, and staff. This program supports the college's broader Climate Action Plan, a long-term strategy to significantly reduce its environmental impact.

Why it matters

The Waste Free BC program exemplifies a growing trend in higher education towards developing internal sharing economies to minimize waste and promote resourcefulness on college campuses. This aligns with Bellevue College's broader sustainability goals and can also offer financial relief to students and staff.

The details

The Waste Free BC group operates with two distinct channels - one for state-owned items and another for personal belongings. This ensures clarity and appropriate usage of shared resources. The program is just one component of Bellevue College's comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which is structured around seven key areas including energy, transportation, zero waste, and social equity.

  • Bellevue College first adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2010.
  • The Climate Action Plan is updated every five years, with the latest update in 2024.

The players

Bellevue College

A community college located in Bellevue, Washington that is actively fostering a culture of sustainability on its campus.

David May

The president of Bellevue College who described the 2024 Climate Action Plan update as a 'significant milestone' in the college's commitment to sustainability.

Environmental Advisory Committee

The committee at Bellevue College that originally established the college's Climate Action Plan in June 2010.

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What they’re saying

“The 2024 update was a significant milestone in the college's commitment to sustainability.”

— David May, President (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Bellevue College plans to continue updating its Climate Action Plan every five years to ensure the college is making progress towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The takeaway

Bellevue College's Waste Free BC program and comprehensive Climate Action Plan demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability in higher education. By promoting resource sharing, reducing waste, and integrating sustainability across curriculum and operations, the college is positioning itself as a leader in campus environmental stewardship.