Assessment:
Chapter 6

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Waste Management

Executive Summary

Human population growth and material consumption have prompted the need for sustainable waste management solutions that include re-thinking, reducing, reusing, and recycling as much waste as possible. Concordia has stepped up to this challenge, and is considered to be a leader in institutional recycling.

Since the 2003 Assessment was completed, 100% of the recommendations outlined in the Solid Waste sections of the report have been implemented. Additionally, Concordia reached 86% in the Quebec Residual Materials Management Policy 1998-2008, which aims for a 65% increase in the valorisation and recycling of solid waste in 2005-2006. During that same period it was evaluated that 55% of hazardous waste was recycled, including computers, batteries (acid, car, alkaline), used oil, and halogen light bulbs. In fact, over $80,000 was saved through waste disposal and transportation cost reductions, in-kind volunteer work, grants and other savings.

Most significantly, Concordia has:

• Conducted two solid waste audits to understand the composition of Concordia's waste.

• Implemented a solid waste reduction strategy which included the installation of new recycling bins and signage and has, as a result, reduced the solid waste produced per campus member by 6.82% over the previous year, and reduced an estimated 2% of total waste through reduce/reuse initiatives.

• Built the Compost Concordia facilities in the rooftop greenhouse, and has since composted one ton of organic waste, thus reducing two tons of greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric and aquatic pollutants; composted 7.5 tons of leaves and grass (grass cycling); and reached over 200 individuals through free monthly composting workshops.

• Printed & distributed 6,000 R4 Recycling Guides and 200 recycling posters across both campuses.

Key Directions:

• Continue to conduct an annual solid waste audit to track the composition of our waste and find opportunities to manage it better.

• Decrease solid waste production at Concordia's food outlets and at on-campus events.

• Continue to give presentations on recycling and R4 services for new campus members.

• Move towards eliminating individual garbage cans and create more "recycling islands" to make it easier for campus members to recycle their waste.

• Implement a 100-ton capacity composting facility on the Loyola campus.