Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the University Affiliate Grant Program, awarding $43,722 in reimbursement grants to eight Louisiana universities to support recycling initiatives and reduce the use of single-use plastics on campus.
Funded through a five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant, the program supports student-centered projects at Dillard University, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, Loyola University New Orleans, Nicholls State University, Tulane University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and the University of New Orleans.
“These University Affiliates are helping shape the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “When we invest in students and campus-based programs, we’re building lifelong habits that protect Louisiana’s communities, waterways, and natural resources. Engaging young people in recycling and litter prevention today works to ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable Louisiana for generations to come.”
Grant-funded projects include:
– Dillard University: Expanding recycling infrastructure with additional bins
– Louisiana State University: Enhancing recycling operations to improve movement of recyclables across campus
– Louisiana Tech University: Promoting waste reduction through campus-wide water bottle distribution
– Loyola University New Orleans: Strengthening recycling capacity with the addition of a tilt truck
– Nicholls State University: Installing water bottle refill stations to reduce single-use plastics
– Tulane University: Eliminating single-use disposable utensils from dining operations
– University of Louisiana at Monroe: Increasing access to water bottle refill stations across campus
– University of New Orleans: Increasing recycling volume with the addition of a cardboard baler
Collectively, these projects will reduce single-use plastic consumption, decrease litter on campuses and in nearby waterways, increase recycling rates, and raise awareness of water quality issues caused by marine debris. “These universities are doing their part to promote recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste on campus. We can learn from their efforts and adopt similar programs in our communities,” said Susan Russell, Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director.
“Our University Affiliates are stepping up and modeling environmental stewardship for the rest of Louisiana,” says Cabell Mouton, KLB Community Outreach and Affiliate Services Director. “We can’t wait to see their projects in action this academic year.”