Waste Reduction and Diversion at McMaster

Presented by: Catherine Lau Sustainability Intern ,Winter 2012

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Introduction to new sustainability initiative Major concerns of proper recycling and waste disposal at McMaster University Basic overview of materials that can be recycled and composted Recap

Bin Installation (CNH and TSH)

Major Concern: Contamination

Separating Recyclables  Hamilton has a double stream system for recycling Paper VS Plastics/Glass

Recycling – Common Mistakes

What cannot be recycled:

 Coffee cups  Bottle caps  Bottles and cans with liquid in them  Wet or dirty paper or cardboard  Pizza Boxes

Recycling- Paper 

What can be recycled:

 File folders  Envelopes  Paper with staples, papers clips or spiral wire binding  Flyers and magazines  Phone books, text books and courseware

Recycling – Plastic & Glass

What can be recycled:

 Beverage and food cans  Glass jars and bottles Milk cartons Clean take-out containers #6 plastics, e.g., styrofoam PS plastics, e.g., coffee cup lids

Compost

McMaster University Student Centre (NEW Jan 12, 2012)

Public compost bin located across from Union Market in MUSC.

Kitchens that compost:

• Mary E. Keyes • Bridges Café • Twelve Eighty • Union Market • La Piazza. • Phoenix • Communications Research Laboratory

Compost

List of Acceptable Items:

 Fruits and vegetables    Meat, including bones Dairy Soup and sauce       Bread products Coffee grounds and filters Waxed paper Cooking Fat Paper plates Napkins     Paper towel Milk cartons Paper coffee cups Wooden Skewers

Steps to Success     GOAL: Divert waste and promote recycling Install new waste and recycling bins in CNH and TSH Promote use of new bins through online presentations, posters and workshops Compare the amount of waste and recycling over the course of a month to data in previous months Publish results in final report available on the McMaster Sustainability website (www.mcmaster.ca/sustainability )

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Concerns?

Contact: Catherine Lau (Sustainability Intern) at [email protected] or Kate Whalen (Sustainability Manager) at [email protected]