Corey Hawkey appointed manager of Zero Waste at ASU initiative

Corey Hawkey, an expert in sustainability operations at institutions of higher education, has been appointed manager of the Zero Waste at Arizona State University initiative.

Hawkey joins ASU from The Ohio State University where he served as sustainability coordinator. In the role, he was primarily responsible for sustainable materials management, and engagement and communications efforts.

“Under Corey Hawkey’s leadership, Ohio State has become recognized as a national leader in diverting recycling and compostable materials at NCAA athletics events,” said Nick Brown, director of University Sustainability Practices. “Corey’s arrival on our team is a huge step forward for our zero waste program. We are very excited about the expertise and talent that he brings to ASU.”  

ASU is committed to achieving zero solid waste across all campus locations by 2015. As part of the initiative, the university will reduce its landfill waste by 90 percent, averting some waste through reduced consumption and diverting the rest through recycling, composting, and reusing or repurposing.

“It’s an honor and a great privilege to join the incredible team at ASU,” said Hawkey. “I look forward to being part of the initiative and supporting ASU’s ambitious commitment to sustainability and climate neutrality.”

Under Hawkey’s leadership, Ohio State achieved zero waste at the 102,000-seat Ohio Stadium, reaching a season diversion rate of nearly 91 percent. He also developed and supported campus diversion efforts leading to a 43 percent increase in diverted materials during his tenure.

As the manager of the Zero Waste at ASU initiative, Hawkey will play a key role in assessing operation functions, and developing and implementing policies, procedures and objectives related to the initiative. He will also serve as a liaison with community and business partners, students, faculty and staff in facilitating university-wide sustainability programs. In addition, he will manage staffing and operations budgets, and represent the department and university on various committees, boards, councils and organizations.

Prior to his time at Ohio State, Hawkey has served as sustainability coordinator and assistant communications director for the Ohio Board of Regents, and program organizer for an environmental advocacy organization called Clean Water Action. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science at Bowling Green State University and master’s in public administration at the Ohio State University.

To learn more about the Zero Waste at ASU initiative, visit zerowaste.asu.edu.