In Canada, colleges and universities are stepping up to the plate when it comes to sustainability. More than ever, educational institutions are implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable waste management practices. With student bodies pushing for greener campuses, administrators are listening and responding by making significant strides to reduce, reuse, and recycle. We believe this focus isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also showing students and communities what sustainability looks like in practice. In this article, we’ll dive into how Canadian campuses tackle waste and make a difference.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Waste Management in Canadian Colleges
Across Canada, colleges and universities have been embracing environmental consciousness for years, but recently, there’s been an unprecedented push towards zero-waste strategies, recycling programs, and green procurement policies. With large student populations, campuses generate massive amounts of waste, from food scraps to paper and plastic products. Canadian institutions are recognizing that effective waste management isn’t just an environmental responsibility—it’s also part of their educational mission. By implementing sustainable practices, they are showing students and staff that environmental responsibility can be woven into every aspect of daily life.
Why are Colleges and Universities Embracing Sustainability?
Student Demand:
Students today are highly aware of environmental issues. This generation is vocal about climate change and wants to see the institutions they attend taking a stand and making a difference. With the widespread use of social media platforms, students and the young generation generally have more reach and voice than ever before, and their opinions are being heard.
Educational Responsibility:
As places of learning, colleges and universities aim to educate students on the importance of sustainable practices. By leading by example, they give students firsthand experience with eco-friendly practices.
Community and Global Reputation:
Colleges are under pressure to maintain a positive reputation within their communities and globally. Sustainable initiatives are a positive way to enhance their environmental image.
The University of Western Ontario – A leading Canadian Campus in Sustainability
Sustainable waste management and recycling is taken seriously by our very own University of Western Ontario here in London. The Sustainable Western program includes a wide range of activities and goals aimed at reducing waste and improving sustainability across campus. As someone who has worked with Western Sustainability in bulk waste recycling and E-Waste recycling, I know first hand how much this program is valued by Western staff and students. Here are a few of the key elements of Western’s sustainability initiatives, along with some of my personal insight:
- Zero Waste and Recycling Initiatives
Western University has set ambitious waste reduction goals, including a target of achieving 60% waste diversion by 2025. To accomplish this, the university has installed designated recycling and compost bins throughout the campus, encouraging students and staff to properly sort and dispose of waste. Western has also expanded its e-waste recycling program, offering disposal stations for electronics to prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills. UWO generates a considerable amount of electronics waste, and they do an excellent job of managing it considering the volume. During my time as Western’s E-Waste contractor, we had approximately 18 permanent E-Waste recycling stations set up across campus, with additional various project based initiatives as well. Many of these bins were filled and emptied on a weekly basis. Although it may seem like a lot of Westerns electronics were diverted to electronic recycling, IT staff always did a thorough job of testing, troubleshooting and removing data from any devices that were not obsolete. - Green Office Program
To engage the campus community further, Western introduced its Green Office program, which encourages administrative and academic departments to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and improving recycling rates. Offices that demonstrate high levels of sustainability can earn recognition as a “Certified Green Office,” fostering a culture of environmental responsibility at all levels of the institution. - Waste-Free Dining Initiatives
Western’s Hospitality Services have implemented several programs aimed at minimizing waste from food services on campus. The university has removed single-use plastics in many dining locations, instead opting for compostable utensils and containers. Western also encourages students to bring their own reusable containers and water bottles by offering discounts and incentives. - Campus Composting
Composting has become a key part of Western’s waste management strategy. Composting bins are available in several high-traffic areas, including dining halls and residence buildings, allowing for efficient collection and processing of organic waste. The compost produced from campus waste is often repurposed for use in campus landscaping projects, contributing to a closed-loop sustainability approach. - Sustainable Procurement
Western has integrated sustainable procurement practices into its operations, ensuring that goods and services purchased by the university meet environmental standards. This includes opting for environmentally responsible products and partnering with suppliers who adhere to ethical and sustainable production methods.
Educational Programs and Student Involvement
Western University actively involves students in its sustainability mission through clubs, workshops, and awareness campaigns. For instance, the Western Environmental Association offers students hands-on opportunities to participate in green initiatives and organize campus events, such as Sustainability Week, that educate the community about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and composting. These initiatives help reinforce sustainable habits among students and staff alike.
The university also provides opportunities for students studying environmental science and sustainability to get involved in campus projects, creating a direct link between their coursework and practical environmental stewardship. This approach gives students a chance to contribute to Western’s green initiatives while gaining valuable, real-world experience in sustainability.
Community and Beyond
Western University’s sustainability efforts extend beyond the campus. Through partnerships with the City of London, Western supports city-wide recycling and waste management initiatives, furthering sustainability efforts in the local community. By working closely with city officials and local organizations, Western is setting an example for the community and helping to build a more sustainable Ontario.
With these initiatives, Western University is steadily building a greener campus and cultivating an eco-friendly culture among its students, staff, and the broader community. By making sustainability a part of the campus experience, Western is preparing the next generation to be environmentally conscious leaders in their future workplaces and communities.
Reference:
Western University. (n.d.). Sustainable Western: Environmental Initiatives and Programs. Retrieved from sustainability.uwo.ca
Key Sustainability Practices on other Canadian Campuses
- Waste Audits and Tracking: Many Canadian universities now conduct waste audits to track the types and amounts of waste produced. This data allows them to set targeted goals, adjust waste management policies, and measure their progress over time.
- Composting Initiatives: Food waste is a major issue on campuses, so many schools are investing in composting programs. By composting organic waste, colleges reduce landfill contributions and create nutrient-rich soil, which often goes to campus gardens or local farms.
- Reusable and Compostable Items: Institutions are replacing single-use plastics with compostable or reusable options. Reusable container programs, which allow students to check out reusable food containers, are particularly popular in dining halls. Some campuses are also implementing incentives for students to bring their own mugs and utensils.
- On-Campus Recycling Centers: Dedicated recycling centers on campus make it easier for students to properly dispose of recyclable materials. Many institutions have separated bins for paper, metal, glass, and plastic, accompanied by educational signage.
- E-Waste Collection Programs: Electronics make up a significant portion of campus waste, and many universities have implemented e-waste collection points. By providing a place to dispose of old electronics, campuses ensure that these items are recycled properly instead of ending up in landfills.
How Campuses Are Getting Students Involved
A key factor in the success of these initiatives is student involvement. Canadian colleges are proactive in educating and encouraging students to adopt sustainable waste practices. Here’s how they’re doing it:
- Workshops and Green Clubs: Schools offer workshops on everything from waste sorting to composting. Many universities also have green clubs where students can engage with environmental projects directly.
- Challenges and Incentives: Some institutions organize zero-waste challenges or give incentives for students to participate in waste reduction. These can include eco-points that students can redeem at campus stores or special recognition in student societies.
- Environmental Studies and Research Opportunities: Colleges often give environmental science students the opportunity to work on sustainability projects as part of their coursework or research. This hands-on involvement helps them develop real-world solutions while contributing to campus sustainability.
How Sustainable Waste Management Affects the Community
Eco-friendly waste management practices on campus have a ripple effect in the broader community. By reducing waste, Canadian colleges help lessen the load on municipal landfills, a move that has substantial environmental benefits. Additionally, the knowledge and habits students develop on campus influence their practices after graduation, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Moreover, by partnering with local businesses for waste management and composting, colleges contribute to the local economy. They also help raise awareness about waste reduction beyond the campus, creating an environment where sustainable waste practices become the norm rather than the exception.
Conclusion
As Canadian colleges and universities continue to expand their eco-friendly waste management practices, the impact reaches beyond the campuses and into broader society. These efforts demonstrate that when communities come together with a commitment to sustainability, significant change can occur. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, embracing composting, or involving students in green initiatives, the future of sustainable waste management in higher education looks bright.
For those of us who work in waste management, seeing this shift is inspiring. It shows that we’re all part of a larger effort toward a more sustainable future—one that involves everyone, from students to community members to businesses like Get R Gone. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener Ontario!
