Waste Management Next Steps

Going forward, Carleton University is actively working to achieve a diversion rate of 60% by 2015.
How?

1. Waste Audits to be performed Fall of 2009 to help identify areas where waste is generated and opportunities for diversion are being missed.
2. Special waste recycling is being added.  In September, 2009 there will be special waste depots set up around campus that will accept disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, cell phones and printer toner cartridges for recycling.
3. The general recycling program will continue to be improved.  All large recycling containers will be labeled as to what they accept.  New signage will also be posted above recycling depots providing more detailed instructions as to what is and is not acceptable for recycling.
4. More recycling bins.  You will see more recycling bins – both indoors and outdoors springing up around campus.
5. In the summer of 2009, a pilot program was established to divert old university furniture and equipment from being sent to landfill.  In the first 3 months of operating this program recycled/reused/repurposed more than 400 items for a total weight of more than 12 metric tons.  It has saved the university (through avoided disposal costs, other avoided costs and direct revenue) more than $5500. Work is being done to see how this program can be refined and improved.
6. Dining services already composts in Residence Commons.  Last year that program diverted about 7.6% of Carleton’s overall garbage.  Working with the sustainability office, they are actively trying to establish a composting program in the Unicentre which could divert up to another 4.5% Carleton’s waste.
7. In the early stages of examining other options for reduce and reuse including a paper use reduction campaign.