| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.40 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Jan. 16, 2025 |
Western University
OP-11: Materials Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 4.00 |
11.1 Surplus and reuse programs
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s surplus program:
Western University offers a Waste & Recycling Portal (accessible here: https://sustainability.uwo.ca/Campus/waste_reduction/waste__recycling_portal.html) where all members of the Western Community can request pickups for items intended for reuse or scrap through our Scrap Services Program. This program partners with a local vendor dedicated to giving items a new life by collaborating with a robust network of local non-profit organizations, community centers, and donation centers. They ensure that items in good condition are passed on through donation and/or resale, while everything recyclable is properly recycled
Does the institution have or participate in a reuse program through which employees and/or students can donate personal items for redistribution?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s reuse program:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.2 Single-use disposable plastics program
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s composting program:
Western University's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the continuous growth and success of its Green Bin Program, which has made significant strides in diverting organic waste and fostering environmental stewardship across campus.
Initially launched in kitchens and food preparation areas—known as “back of the house”—and select dining locations, the program has seen impressive results, collecting an average of approximately 270 metric tons of organic waste per year. Over the past six years, a total of 1,620 metric tons of organic waste has been diverted from landfills.
In 2021, the university introduced new signage to standardize the program across campus, ensuring that everyone knows how to dispose of organic waste correctly. Building on this progress, in January 2024, additional green bins were installed in all remaining campus eateries, completing and strengthening the waste management system available to the Western community. This expansion improves accessibility and encourages both students and staff to participate in the composting program.
With the continued growth of the Green Bin Program, Western University remains committed to driving meaningful waste diversion and empowering the campus community to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Please see https://sustainability.uwo.ca/Campus/waste_reduction/sorting_at_western.html for more information on Waste Reduction at Western
Does the institution have or participate in a reusable container program designed to reduce the use of single-use disposable plastic?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s reusable container program:
Choose-2-Reuse eco-tainer program in Residence supports a campus-wide effort towards zero-waste. https://residencedining.uwo.ca/special.cfm#Reuse
Has the institution eliminated the on-site use of at least one form of single-use disposable plastic?:
Has the institution eliminated the on-site sales and distribution of all single-use disposable plastic food containers, utensils, and beverage cups?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s single-use disposable plastics program:
In January 2024, Western stopped selling plastic bottled water across campus. Although they are not banned on campus, they are no longer provided at any university functions, sold in vending machines or by any on-campus restaurant or vendors.
https://sustainability.uwo.ca/Campus/water/drinking_water.html
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.3 Electronic waste management
Does the institution have or participate in a program designed to collect e-waste from students for recycling and/or preparation for reuse? (required):
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s e-waste collection programs:
If Yes to either of the two preceding questions, the following field is also required:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s e-waste collection programs
E-waste recycling is available at multiple locations across the Western Campus.
https://sustainability.uwo.ca/Campus/waste_reduction/sorting_at_western.html
At the end of the academic year, during move-out, e-waste bins are made readily available to students in all of Western’s residences for the collection of e-waste.
Does the institution use an e-waste recycler that is certified to a qualifying standard?:
Standard to which the institution’s e-waste recycler is certified:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.4 Hazardous waste management and disclosure
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s hazardous waste management program or protocol:
Hazardous Materials Managment Handbook - https://www.uwo.ca/hr/form_doc/health_safety/doc/manuals/hazardous_handbook.pdf
Online resource that provides information about the specific types of hazardous waste managed by the institution
https://www.uwo.ca/hr/safety/topics/hazardous_waste.html
Does the institution publish information about the specific types of hazardous waste it generates and how they are disposed of, recycled, and/or prepared for reuse?:
Online resource that provides information about the specific types of hazardous waste managed by the institution:
Document that provides information about the specific types of hazardous waste managed by the institution:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.