Campus Race to Zero Waste (CRZW) is back again at the University of Washington! For the fourteenth year, the UW will participate in the friendly recycling, composting and waste reduction competition between colleges and universities.
CRZW starts runs February 1 and ends March 28, 2026. UW Recycling is organizing and promoting activities focused on waste reduction as part of the competition. Here are some events you can take part in:
In-person events
Mending Fair • February 19
Students can get their clothing repaired for free at this on-campus mending fair. Volunteer menders from Seattle REconomy will be on-site at THE MILL B52, located in McCarty Hall, from 1 – 4 p.m. This event is first come, first served.
Tabling with UW Recycling • multiple dates
Stop by one of these events with UW Recycling to learn how to help the planet (and your wallet) and win a reusable straw! UW Recycling will be tabling during these time frames at the listed locations:
- February 11 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
- February 18 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
- February 25 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Red Square
Husky Goods Free Store Pop-Up • March 5
UW Recycling, SEED & HuES are hosting a Husky Goods pop-up event on March 5, 2026 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Spratlen Hall Learning Resource Center. Students can shop for free stuff like clothing and room essentials donated by other students!
If students have items they no longer want, they can donate their stuff before the event at collection bins or bring them to the pop-up. Donations are not required, but appreciated!
Online events
Trash Art Contest • February 13 – March 27 
Students, staff and faculty can create art pieces from items normally thought of as trash in the seventh annual UW Trash Art Contest.
Contest categories include: 2D art, 3D art and textile art. Winners will receive $100 or $50 e-gift cards. The contest opens February 13 and closes March 27, 2026. Winning pieces will be displayed in an exhibit in Odegaard Undergraduate Library in April.
Check out submissions from previous years!
Trivia Week • February 23 – 27
UW Recycling is hosting a trivia week on their Instagram February 23-27. They will post a waste question to the account every day for participants to answer. One person with the correct answer each day will be randomly selected to receive a giveaway!
UW Recycling will also be promoting zero waste and reuse programs on the Seattle campus as part of CRZW. If you have questions about any of the CRZW events, you can contact recycle@uw.edu.