May 13, 2026
Commencement brings thousands of people together on campus — and our collective choices help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support Yale’s sustainability goals. This year, Commencement has earned green-event certiication at the platinum level. Here are a few ways you can celebrate sustainably:
- Bring a reusable water bottle. If you do, look for the refill stations across campus.
- Recycle and dispose of waste responsibly. Use the labeled bins throughout campus and ceremony areas and follow posted guidance. To learn what can and can’t be recycled on campus, visit the Yale Recycling website.
- Important note on “compostable” cups. Cups labeled “compostable” should be placed in the trash, and not in the compost or recycling bins. They are not accepted at the facilities that process Yale’s recycling or food waste.
- Choose low-impact transportation when possible. Consider traveling by bus, train, bike, carpool, or EV. Visit Getting Around Campus for transportation information and EV charging locations.