Purpose
The University aims to support waste reduction and diversion efforts through the ongoing development of its campus waste management program. These efforts may include expanding opportunities to divert recyclable and compostable materials, increasing awareness of waste management practices, encouraging responsible waste-related behaviours, and providing infrastructure that supports convenient and effective sorting.
The Receptacle Standard promotes a consistent and user-friendly waste management system across campus that supports proper waste sorting by students, employees, and visitors. The University’s objective is to increase the use of standardized multi-stream receptacles, signage, and liners across campus where operationally feasible and appropriate. Receptacles are positioned throughout interior and exterior locations of all campuses.
Receptacle Standards
Public Spaces
- Single-stream receptacles in public spaces will be replaced by multi-stream receptacles or the alternate Plant Operations approved multi-stream station suitable for use in smaller/narrower areas.
- In conjunction with space occupants, Plant Operations will determine receptacle placement and stream configuration for each individual multi-stream receptacle.
- Plant Operations reserves the authority to identify approved receptacle models and configurations based on operational, accessibility, safety, maintenance, and budget considerations.
- Requests for multi-stream receptacles will be coordinated through Plant Operations.
- For new construction and renovation projects, built-in waste receptacles are discouraged and are not permitted to be built into millwork.
- To facilitate sorting, stream order will follow the standard sequence of Garbage, Organics, Recycling, and Paper to support user consistency.
- Cardboard and pizza-box receptacles are to be placed in each building in the main thoroughfare(s).
- Organics collection streams for compostable waste will be prioritized in locations where compostable materials are commonly generated, such as food service areas, lunchrooms and kitchenettes.
- Departments and faculties considering receptacle purchases should consult with Plant Operations to ensure compatibility with campus standards, accessibility requirements, building codes, and operational needs. Requests should be initiated through Archibus.
Kitchenettes & Lunchrooms
- Organics collection stream will be available in designated lunchrooms.
- Waste infrastructure in kitchenettes / lunchrooms may vary based on room size, usage patterns, available space, and operational requirements. Examples include a countertop organics waste bin, a curbside organics waste bin, a multi-stream receptacle, or an alternate Plant Operations approved multi-stream station.
Recommended Configurations:
| Room Size | Daily Usage | Receptacle Style |
|---|---|---|
| small | approximately 15 people or fewer | countertop organics bin and Plant Operations approved multi-stream station |
| medium | approximately 16–25 people | curbside style organic bin and Plant Operations approved multi-stream station |
| large | more than 35 people | larger capacity multi-stream receptacle system and organics collection |
Offices
- Personal garbage bins are being phased out as part of campus waste reduction initiatives. The University is in the process of phasing out bagged garbage bins and transitioning to the use of a blue recycling bin with a black bagless saddle tote. Additional Green Office points are earned when this is implemented.
Please note: Vertical installation of multi-stream receptacles must be complete before rolling out of the new office standard (See the Waste Reduction Road Map for more information) - Shared office spaces will be outfitted with approved multi-stream stations. Stream availability may include garbage, recycling, paper.
- Private office occupants are encouraged to use recycling totes and small waste containers that support proper waste sorting (e.g., one small blue recycling tote with a black saddle tote). Users remain responsible for maintaining personal receptacles in accordance with applicable service standards.
Outdoor Areas
- Approved multi-stream receptacles will be utilized across all areas of campus including Campus Housing, satellite campuses, and in UW Affiliated Colleges.
- Receptacle streams will be, from left to right, garbage, recycling, paper.
- Receptacle placement will be determined in consultation with Grounds and other relevant stakeholders, considering safety, accessibility, maintenance requirements, and site conditions.
Waste Receptacle Bag Standards
- Bag and liner types used for indoor and outdoor waste streams are consistent across campus.
- Garbage streams will use black bags except for the saddle tote used in offices.
- Recycling and paper streams will use clear bags to help identify contamination and support efficient processing.
- Organics bins will be lined with a certified compostable bag / liner.
- Double-bagging should be avoided unless approved by Plant Operations Campus Services.
Waste Receptacle Signage Standards
- Waste signage will be coordinated through Plant Operations to support consistency across campus.
- Signage should align with the University’s waste management communication standards and branding.
- Requests for customized signage will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Existing waste stations that do not meet the receptacle standard may be updated over time as part of maintenance, renovation, or replacement cycles.
Purchasing New Receptacles
Prior to purchasing waste receptacles, the department should consult with Plant Operations Campus Services to confirm compatibility with current campus standards and operational requirements. Where approval is required, requests should be submitted through Archibus. Plant Operations will coordinate ordering, installation, replacement, and removal activities as appropriate. The University will seek to reuse, repurpose, recycle, or otherwise responsibly manage removed receptacles. Plant Operations will coordinate ordering, installation, replacement, and removal activities as appropriate. The University will seek to reuse, repurpose, recycle, or otherwise responsibly manage removed receptacles.
Ownership of Bins
To support campus waste management objectives, receptacles installed, replaced, or newly purchased for use on campus are expected to align with current receptacle standards where reasonably practicable. Ownership, funding source, or department responsibility for a receptacle does not automatically exempt a unit from applicable University standards. Exceptions may be considered where justified by operational, accessibility, research, contractual, regulatory, or facility-specific requirements.
Standard Review
The Receptacle Standard may be amended, updated, or replaced from time to time to reflect operational experience, regulatory requirements, budget considerations, evolving waste management practices, and University priorities.