Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. Contrary to the common myth, disposable gloves can be recycled—they just need some extra processing at specialized recycling facilities.

With funding support from the Associated Students of Norco College (ASNC) and Edwin Romero, Ph.D., leadership from Meghan Chandler, Ph.D., and Norco College Chef Antonio Muniz, the project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.

Instead of ending up in a landfill, the collected waste was sent to TerraCycle, where it will be transformed into eco-friendly products such as playground equipment and park benches.

This successful pilot marks only the beginning of Norco College’s broader sustainability efforts. Faculty, staff, and students who use disposable gloves in their classes or campus work and would like to participate are encouraged to contact Chandler at Send Email.