Shift:Zero Waste Management
In 2017, the University of Waterloo created the Environmental Sustainability Strategy that set out goals which include becoming a zero-waste campus (90% waste diversion) by 2035. Achieving this objective will require ongoing collaboration across the University community and continued improvements to waste reduction and diversion practices.
Waste diversion refers to the process of directing materials away from landfill through appropriate sorting, recycling, composting, reuse, and other approved diversion methods. The University continues to explore opportunities to improve waste management practices through a combination of infrastructure enhancements, operational improvements, and community awareness initiatives. Students, employees, and visitors are encouraged to support waste reduction efforts by following campus waste-sorting guidelines and making informed disposal decisions.
The Shift: Zero campaign focuses on five key areas that support waste reduction and diversion efforts across campus:
- Engagement
- Waste reduction and prevention
- Recycling optimization
- Organics collection
- Expanding reuse programs
Shift:Zero Waste Standards
A Waste Management Steering Committee was established in 2017 with representatives from Housing, the Safety Office, Central Stores, Food Services, the Sustainability Office, the University Colleges, and Plant Operations. The committee works collaboratively to support ongoing improvements to waste management practices across campus. As part of this work, the committee has developed waste management standards to help inform related initiatives across campus. These standards may be reviewed and updated periodically as programs and campus needs evolve. For more information on campus receptacle standards, please use the links provided below.
How Waste is Sorted on Campus
The University of Waterloo uses multi-stream sorting stations in many campus locations to support waste diversion efforts across campus.
Main Waste Categories
- Garbage (non-recyclable waste)
- Recycling (plastics, glass, and metal)
- Paper
- Organics (compostable materials)
- Cardboard
Special Collection Streams
The University also provides designated collection options for certain materials, including:
Questions regarding waste management can be emailed to the Manager, Operations Campus Services.
Proper sorting helps improve the effectiveness of recycling, composting, and other waste diversion programs. The University of Waterloo has standardized waste-sorting streams across campus to support consistency and ease of use. To learn more about campus sort requirements, check out the Shift:Zero sorting guide and app for information on how specific materials should be managed.
For more information regarding sustainability initiatives, please visit the Sustainability Office website.