The Atlas logo, which is a dark blue telescope with the base shaped like an arrowhead that creates the “A” in the word “Atlas,” and a thinner arrow that forms a circle shape around it. Text on the right says “Atlas Zero Waste Certification® A Program of PLAN.”

The Atlas Stage 1 process, through the Zero Waste Certification®, creates a high-level standard for a zero waste campus. This standard will not allow for greenwashing of the Zero Waste Movement or waste reduction efforts, and pushes for continuous progress and innovation. This certification framework creates a standard benchmarking tool for campuses to set meaningful goals using a universal metric to measure and track progress towards zero waste. The ability to compare zero waste initiatives at all types of campuses will allow us to celebrate campuses that demonstrate leadership and successful models for zero waste programming!

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A chart outlining the Steps to Getting Certified. 1. Campuses identify Atlas Zero Waste Fellow(s) that will conduct the assessment for their campus. 2. Fellow(s) are trained and licensed to use the Atlas Zero Waste Campus Programs Checklist to gather information. 3. Fellows perform interviews with campus stakeholders, compile campus resources, and synthesize waste reports. 4. The Campus Programs Checklist is scored to give the campus its Zero Waste Score and certification level. A chart outlining the Steps to Getting Certified. 1. Campuses identify Atlas Zero Waste Fellow(s) that will conduct the assessment for their campus. 2. Fellow(s) are trained and licensed to use the Atlas Zero Waste Campus Programs Checklist to gather information. 3. Fellows perform interviews with campus stakeholders, compile campus resources, and synthesize waste reports. 4. The Campus Programs Checklist is scored to give the campus its Zero Waste Score and certification level.

What is Certification?

The Atlas Zero Waste Achievement Levels are based on your Campus Zero Waste Score. The score breakdown is as follows (59.4% or below does not qualify for certification):

A graphic showing the colors and percentages associated with different levels of Certification. Bronze is 59.5-69.4%, Silver is 69.5-79.4%, Gold is 79.5-89.4%, and Platinum is 89.5-100%. Learn More About Certification Scores

Fellow Responsibilities

A student Fellow is trained on how to use our Campus Programs Checklist to perform interviews with stakeholders, compile campus resources and policies, and synthesize waste and material management reports. Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills are integral to this role as Fellows will be primarily responsible for managing stakeholder communications. 

This process takes place in a cohort model, where a group of Fellows across the US and Canada meet weekly to learn, troubleshoot, and share victories together.

Read the Fellow Job Description

Logistics & Pricing

Stage 1 is a semester long project. Campuses applying for Atlas Zero Waste Certification should apply at least one full semester in advance.

A chart outlining the cost of Atlas Stage 1. Small schools (0-5k students) are $3075, medium schools (5-15k students) are $3450, and large schools (15k+ students) are $3825.

These costs reflect the pricing for current PLAN Members. If you are not currently a PLAN member, please see the Membership Pricing Scale first to access this membership add-on. This cost does not include financial or credit based compensation for the Fellow(s) on your campus.

If you are interested in Certification but find the cost to be a prohibitive factor, we want to hear from you! Please submit a request to our Movement Building Fund, also linked in the Certification Application Form. Reach out to Atlas@postlandfill.org with any questions.

"The Atlas Fellowship has allowed me to take a deep dive into the world of zero waste, going far beyond what textbooks and lectures could teach. It's been an eye-opening experience to assess my campus's waste management firsthand, understanding the human side of the equation through interviews with staff and faculty. Not only have I gained valuable research and communication skills, but I've also built a network of passionate people working towards a sustainable future. This fellowship has been an incredible springboard for me to turn my passion for zero waste into concrete action."

Maya Patton

Student, Seattle University

"Being a part of the Atlas Fellowship has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I was able to grow my knowledge in zero waste and my campus' practices, but also grew my skills in sustainable communication and student advocacy. It was super cool to meet other fellow from different campuses and hear about their experiences as well. The team at PLAN was very encouraging and supportive throughout this entire process!"

Gretta Acheson

Student, University of Iowa

"This fellowship helped me deeply understand my campus' waste management practices and policies, and it opened the door for me to establish partnerships with stakeholders. It also allowed me to start a conversation about waste with faculty and other students so that we can work together to find solutions."

Morgan Mathews

Student, University of South Florida (USF)

I truly have so much appreciation for the Zero Waste Atlas Fellowship. The opportunity to learn about my university's structure, practices, and policies has been eye-opening, and connecting with student advocates who have the same interests and passions as me has been a huge motivation to make change on campus.

Grace Koziol

Student, University of Iowa

Interested in becoming Atlas Zero Waste Certified?

Atlas is a qualitative, holistic assessment of the entire campus materials management system. After a Fellow from your campus is identified, they will learn how to use the Atlas Campus Programs Checklist to perform the interviews needed to gather data for the campus assessment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Now for Stage 1
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Get in touch about Atlas

Alex (he/him)
Atlas Zero Waste Director
Alex@postlandfill.org
The Atlas Zero Waste project is a deeper engagement opportunity for our member campuses.If your school is a member, you will automatically have access through the Community Hub. If not, get in contact about Membership and involvement with PLAN on your campus.
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