| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.64 |
| Liaison | Allison Maxted |
| Submission Date | Jan. 25, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Mohawk College
OP-23: Waste Diversion
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.17 / 3.00 |
Kayla
LaChance Sustainability Programs and Services Coordinator Sustainability Office |
Materials diverted from the solid waste landfill or incinerator:
Materials disposed in a solid waste landfill or incinerator :
A brief description of programs, policies, infrastructure investments, outreach efforts, and/or other factors that contributed to the diversion rate, including efforts made during the previous three years:
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.
A brief description of any food donation programs employed by the institution:
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.
A brief description of any pre-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
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.
A brief description of any post-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
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.
Does the institution include the following materials in its waste diversion efforts?:
| Yes or No | |
| Paper, plastics, glass, metals, and other recyclable containers | Yes |
| Food donations | Yes |
| Food for animals | No |
| Food composting | Yes |
| Cooking oil | Yes |
| Plant materials composting | Yes |
| Animal bedding composting | No |
| Batteries | Yes |
| Light bulbs | Yes |
| Toner/ink-jet cartridges | Yes |
| White goods (i.e. appliances) | Yes |
| Laboratory equipment | Yes |
| Furniture | Yes |
| Residence hall move-in/move-out waste | Yes |
| Scrap metal | Yes |
| Pallets | Yes |
| Motor oil | Yes |
| Tires | Yes |
Other materials that the institution includes in its waste diversion efforts:
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.
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.