Waste Reduction and Diversion at McMaster Presented by: Catherine Lau Sustainability Intern,Winter 2012

Outline 1. Introduction to new sustainability initiative 2. Major concerns of proper recycling and waste disposal at McMaster University 3. Basic overview of materials that can be recycled and composted 4. Recap 5. Feedback (Survey)

Bin Installation (CNH and TSH)

Major Concern: Contamination

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

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 ( )

Survey Please provide us with feedback by clicking the link below and you could win a $10 Titles gift card. All questions are optional, however your contact information is necessary to be considered for the draw. Questions/Concerns? Contact: Catherine Lau (Sustainability Intern) at or Kate Whalen (Sustainability Manager) at