Establishing a clear baseline of landfill, recycling, and material flows. 

The Library currently uses a flat-rate waste contract, making detailed analysis difficult. As part of the grant, BNIM developed a formal waste audit proposal and repeatable audit workflow tailored to institutional settings. 

Sections:

Next Steps Include: 

  • Conducting a one-day “dump and sort” waste audit Reviewing existing recycling, cardboard, and specialty material streams 
  • Gathering purchasing data to identify high-impact reductions 
  • Developing a “Path to Zero Waste” strategy aligned with the district 
  • Evaluating bulk-purchase or shared services opportunities with neighbors 
  • This creates a first-ever waste dataset for the Library, enabling measurable improvement over time
  • Building a measurable path toward reduced waste and circular practices 

This lens focuses on how solid waste, recyclables, and specialty waste flow through each institution. Both Linda Hall Library and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art have expressed interest in understanding the volume, type, and origin of their waste streams, as well as the operational, financial, and environmental impacts of better waste diversion. The goal is to create a repeatable method for inventorying waste, identifying reduction opportunities, and supporting a long term path toward near zero waste operations. 

Because no two cultural institutions use space or materials in the same way, this lens emphasizes flexible, evidence based evaluation rather than prescriptive solutions. 

Current Baseline and Gaps 

Both institutions identified a similar starting point: limited quantitative data about waste composition and volume. This makes year over year improvement difficult to measure and prevents staff from identifying high impact intervention points.  

Current Patterns 

  • Daily operations generate relatively low volumes of waste tied to office functions, circulation materials, and staff workspaces. 
  • A growing calendar of public programs and private events is beginning to shift waste generation patterns, creating new opportunities for event specific waste strategies. 
  • Recycle bins exist but are not standardized throughout the building. 
  • No formal purchasing guidance exists for waste reducing or recyclable products. 
  • Hazardous or specialty waste streams are small but require clear procedures. 

Identified Needs 

  • A formal waste audit (proposed and drafted in BNIM’s Waste Audit Proposal document). 
  • Event waste protocols distinct from day to day operations. 
  • Standardized recycling procedures and bin placements. 
  • Clear collection signage and education for staff and event partners. 
  • Integration of waste considerations into procurement. 

Benchmarking 

Regional benchmarking was conducted through visits to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, T Mobile Center, and Hallmark. Each of these organizations has developed near zero waste programs that can inform cultural institutions seeking scalable models. 

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium 

Approach 

  • Uses a three stream system: recycling, compost, and landfill. 
  • All waste from events is back of house sorted by trained teams to reduce contamination. 
  • Vendor agreements require compostable serviceware wherever possible. 
  • Fan education is continuous and built into signage and digital displays. 

Insights for Cultural Institutions 

  • Back of house sorting dramatically increases diversion rates. 
  • Consistent bin colors and icon based signage reduce confusion. 
  • Staff and vendor training is more important than guest behavior. 

T Mobile Center 

Approach 

  • Uses a centralized waste dock where materials are manually separated. 
  • Has strong partnerships with local recyclers for glass, cardboard, and metals. 
  • Event specific waste plans are created for concerts and special events. 

Insights for Cultural Institutions 

  • A central sorting location can work even in older facilities. 
  • Event specific planning improves diversion outcomes. 
  • Benign waste streams like cardboard can be significant revenue offsets. 

Hallmark Headquarters 

Approach 

  • Longstanding internal culture of reuse and employee education. 
  • High diversion office waste program with strong procurement controls. 
  • Emphasis on manufacturer take back programs and closed loop systems. 

Insights for Cultural Institutions 

  • Waste reduction begins with procurement and internal culture. 
  • Staff behavior improves rapidly when expectations are clear and supported. 
  • Closed loop partnerships reduce disposal cost and waste. 

Opportunity Areas 

This section summarizes the most impactful opportunities identified for LHL through workshops and benchmarking.  

Top Opportunities 

  1. Conduct a formal waste audit to establish baseline data. 
  2. Create event specific waste protocols for lectures, receptions, and conferences. 
  3. Standardize bin locations and signage throughout the building. 
  4. Integrate waste goals into procurement policies, especially for catering and office supplies. 
  5. Partner with district institutions to share training and vendor relationships. 

Unique Opportunity 

LHL’s expanding event program can serve as a controlled “pilot environment” for testing compostable serviceware, bin signage, guest education, and back of house sorting before scaling efforts. 

Repeatable Evaluation Method 

To create a consistent yardstick for measuring progress, the project recommends a simple and repeatable method any institution can adopt. 

  • Document existing waste streams, including landfill, recycling, compost (if any), specialty waste, and vendor pathways. 
  • Conduct an annual or semi annual waste audit using a defined sampling method. Measure weight, volume, contamination, and waste source. 
  • Map upstream purchasing to identify reduction opportunities such as reusable materials, compostable options, or vendor take back programs. 
  • Develop diversion targets based on realistic capacity and facility layout. 
  • Train staff, vendors, and event partners with consistent signage and expectations. 
  • Track progress quarterly and share results with institutional leadership and the EcoDistrict network. 

District Scale Opportunities

The shared nature of waste challenges creates an opportunity for collaboration across institutions. 

District Wide Opportunities 

  • Coordinated vendor relationships for compost hauling or recycling services. 
  • Shared training for staff and temporary event workers. 
  • Standardized signage and bin color systems. 
  • Shared purchasing standards to reduce waste at the source. 
  • Public facing education about sustainability efforts in the district. 

Summary 

Both institutions are well positioned to make measurable progress in waste reduction. Their operational scales differ, but the methods remain compatible. Event programming at LHL and exhibition production at NAMA create different but complementary pathways for innovation. Applying the district wide benchmarking insights and completing formal waste audits will create a strong foundation for future decision making and collaboration.