In 1990 York University’s Facilities Services department formalized a comprehensive, multi-faceted waste management and diversion program. Part of this was the ZeroWaste program to build on existing waste diversion and green cleaning initiatives. By 2019 the university had diverted 70.73% of the waste generated on its campuses.
York University’s Facilities Service Department, Waste Management unit manages and coordinates the disposal of hazardous waste materials on York’s campuses. The waste management unit manages hazardous waste in accordance with Provincial Regulation 347 General-Waste Management
Organic Food Waste
All kitchenettes have been equipped with an organic waste container for all food scraps, which students, staff and faculty should use to throw away any organic waste. More outdoor organic digesters and battery recycling bin have been added to campus to allow for greater convenience. See the Waste Diversion Map for locations.
Green Cleaning Initiative
Offices are equipped with communal tri-bins and individual waste bins are emptied by the individual staff/faculty members who generate the waste. By becoming responsible for removing their own waste, individuals will have a greater awareness of the waste they produce and custodial services resources can be allocated elsewhere.
Tri-Bins
Stand alone garbage bins are being removed and replaced with more tri-bins in the interior and exterior of campus. In-ground tri-bins will increasingly be used around the exterior of campus, because they have a larger capacity and use gravity compaction, requiring less frequent emptying.
Expanded Recycling
New types of materials are being captured for recycling, in participation with Stewardship Ontario and through other diversion programs. In partnership with Printing Services, clearer labels have been developed for tri-bins and organic digesters to increase waste diversion and reduce contamination of waste streams.
Engagement Initiatives
Waste management tools have been launched to engage the community in ZeroWaste including:
Water Bottle Free Campus – Sustainability
We are quickly approaching our waste diversion goal – you can help us achieve and surpass it by participating in campus waste reduction and diversion initiatives and programs.
Visit our Whole University Approach to learn more