According to the Control Mandate #13 - Solid Waste Management Act (415 ILCS 20/3.1 thru 20/3.1), each State-supported institution of higher learning shall develop a comprehensive waste reduction plan covering a period of 10 years which addresses the management of solid waste generated by academic, administrative, student housing and other institutional functions. The initial plan required under this Section shall be updated by the institution every 5 years, and any proposed amendments to the plan shall be submitted to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for review and approval.

The Waste Reduction Plan must address, at a minimum, the following topics: existing waste generation by volume, waste composition, existing waste reduction and recycling activities, waste collection and disposal costs, future waste management methods, and specific goals to reduce the amount of waste generated that is subject to landfill disposal.