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 2025:
Important Dates to Note:
April 25: Proof of Concept form due
May 16: Upload photos and videos of your finished artwork for public voting
May 19 -21: Coordinate with us to drop off your artwork
May 22: Waste to Art Exhibition at Millberry Union 9am - 3pm
May 22: Waste to Art event and award ceremony 3pm
June 4: Waste to Art pop-up exhibition at Moffitt Café at Parnassus Heights 9:30am - 1:30pm
Browse the 2025 Waste to Art Projects.
