Waste Reduction and Diversion at McMaster

Presented by:Catherine Lau

Sustainability Intern ,Winter 2012

Outline1. Introduction to new sustainability

initiative2. Major concerns of proper recycling and

waste disposal at McMaster University 3. Basic overview of materials that can be

recycled and composted4. Recap

Bin Installation (CNH and TSH)

Major Concern: Contamination

Separating RecyclablesHamilton has a double stream system for

recycling

Paper Plastics/Glass

VS

Recycling– Common Mistakes What cannot be recycled:Coffee cupsBottle caps Bottles and cans with liquid in

themWet or dirty paper or cardboard Pizza Boxes

Recycling- PaperWhat can be recycled:File foldersEnvelopesPaper with staples, papers clips or

spiral wire binding Flyers and magazines Phone books, text books and

courseware

Recycling – Plastic & GlassWhat 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

CompostMcMaster 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

CompostList 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 SuccessGOAL: Divert waste and promote recycling

Install new waste and recycling bins in CNH and TSHPromote 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 laucm@mcmaster.ca or Kate Whalen (Sustainability Manager) at whalenk@mcmaster.ca