Mohawk College
OP-23: Waste Diversion

Waste Management Zone The Fennell Campus Cafeteria has a dedicated space for proper waste disposal, composting and a dishwashing station to provide convenience and sustainable alternatives to those who bring their own lunch to campus. In an effort to reduce waste generated on campus, this zone gives campus users, most significantly students, a place to wash reusable coffee mugs, food containers and cutlery. Paperless News Initiative This program was launched in September 2013, seeking to improve access to local news and reduce waste generated on campus. Any staff, student or faculty member with a Mohawk College account can access the daily news on their computer, tablet or smartphone. The move from hardcopy to free, paperless access will help reduce Mohawk’s carbon footprint by eliminating 18.94 tonnes of waste yearly – removing nearly 17 tonnes of CO2 created by delivery and disposal of newspapers. Single Use Plastics Ban In January 2013, in an effort to reduce one-time-use plastics and waste produced on campus, the College-wide Plastics Policy banned the distribution and sale of plastic bags and water bottles intended for single use. This policy was introduced by the Sustainability Office and the MSA, supporting the EMP’s reduction target which calls for a 24% reduction of 2007 baseline carbon emissions by 2020. Additionally, the policy assists in lowering waste management costs associated with the disposal of single use plastics. E-Waste The Electronic Waste (E-Waste) program was developed through a partnership between the Sustainability Office, the Mohawk College IT Department and the Mohawk Students’ Association. This program provides students, staff and faculty the opportunity to recycle all of their personal electronic waste. Greentec electronic waste recyclers will then pay .05 cents per pound of electronic waste collected. The Sustainability Office and the MSA use this small revenue stream to support student-led sustainability initiatives on campus. Battery Recycling Program The Sustainability Office has teamed up with Raw Materials Company Inc. (RMC) to provide the on-campus battery recycling program. All staff, students, and faculty are encouraged to bring their used batteries to any of the multiple locations,and we ensure they are recycled properly.

The Mohawk Students' Association's student food bank is located at each campus in the MSA Office. This is a free service for students in emergency need of food.

Cafeteria Composting Following the success of the MSA composting program, the Sustainability Office introduced multiple composting stations in the Cafeteria at Fennell Campus. This effort will help increase our diversion rate, and is a direct action of the Waste Management Strategy. Complimented by enhanced signage and branding in the Waste Management Zone, the new composting program at Fennell is convenient and clear about accepted items.

Student Association Composting The Mohawk Students’ Association, Sustainability Office and food services have identified the need for compost options in the cafeteria at Mohawk College, as outlined in the Waste Management Strategy. A Campus-wide waste audit identified 60% of the waste generated in the C-Wing cafeteria was compostable. The College partners involved in this project are planning an on-campus solution to reduce the food waste that is directed to landfills. The MSA’s food service features 100% compostable products and packaging.

Mixed Metals Mixed metals, mainly from everyday maintenance procedures are deposited into a designated collection container which is supplied and serviced by Wentworth Metals as required.