The first-place winner “Plastiquarium” by Valentina Rozenson and Patti Mallani from the 2023 Waste to Art event
Waste to Art is UCSF’s annual challenge dedicated to transforming waste (medical and laboratory waste including) into incredible and inspiring art pieces.
The challenge has two goals:
- to gather support and active participation from the diverse communities at UCSF and UCSF Health
- to encourage people to reflect on the waste in their practices and think about ways for waste reduction and for transitioning into a more sustainable future.
The Healthcare industry is the second-largest waste generator in the US after the food industry, producing more than 5 million tons of waste each year. Among them, 85% of the waste is non-infectious and ends up in landfills with only a small fraction being recycled and repurposed. We began this challenge to raise awareness about this issue by creating an exhibition showcasing upcycled artworks incorporating medical and non-medical waste. Some of the winning art pieces have been displayed around the medical centers and campus to showcase.
This event is supported by Seema Gandhi, MD, clinical professor and the medical director of sustainability for UCSF Health, UCSF Office of Sustainability, and the University of California the Office of President Carbon Neutrality Initiative (CNI) fellowship program.
Waste-to-Art 2026:
Important Dates to Note:
March 20: Proof of Concept form due
April 10: Upload a photo of your finished artwork for public voting
April 10-14: Coordinate with us to drop off your artwork
April 14: Waste to Art Exhibition at Genentech Hall Atrium (location may be subject to change) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
April 14: Waste to Art event and award ceremony at 3 p.m.
April 15: Annual Sustainability Celebration at Valley Center for Vision at 3 p.m. where Chancellor Sam Hawgood will recognize the top three artists
Browse the 2025 Waste to Art Projects.
Waste to Art is UCSF’s first challenge dedicated to turning waste into art, and is part of the Carbon Neutrality Initiative fellowship program.
