WASTE MANAGEMENT – 3Rs TIPS

Follow the 3 Rs: always aim to Reduce and Reuse before Recycling. If you can avoid making waste, you won’t have to worry about throwing it away.

You Can Make a Difference! 

Here are a few suggestions of how your actions can have a positive impact:

• Share information electronically
• Read the newspaper and online
• Only print what is necessary
• Decline excess packaging, including plastic bags
• Purchase items in bulk
• Say no to junk mail and over circulated publications – Contact the Canadian Direct Marketing Association and ask to have your name deleted from their mailing list
• Use hand dryers, when provided, rather than paper towels

• Double-side any printing and re-use paper before recycling
• Carry a reusable bag for any shopping
• Bring a reusable mug – Check out our Lug-a-Mug program for great discounts!
• Patronize establishments that use china and cutlery, such as: Michelangelo’s, the Grad Lounge, the Absinthe, the Underground, Mangia Mangia Italian Eatery, Falafel Hut Village, Second Cup, or the Executive Dining Room 
• Sign up for reusable takeout containers through the Eco-Takeout program at Complex 1 & 2 Cafeterias
• Carry a reusable set of cutlery with you
• Donate used clothing and other items to a reuse centre – Oasis Clothing Bank drop boxes are located at 2 Passy Crescent Residence and at Atkinson Residence (see the Waste Diversion Map for locations)
• Donate plastic shopping bags at the Scott Library for students to use to carry books
• Purchase used text books when available

• If it's made of paper, glass, metal, or plastic it's probably recyclable – To know what goes where, check out our Recycling Program
• Compost Organic Waste by using kitchenette organic waste containers or outdoor organic digesters
• Properly dispose of any Special, Bulk or Other Recyclable Waste
• Only put paper towels and tissues in washroom waste bins – They are collected for recycling. Dispose of all other waste in its appropriate container outside of the washroom.

• Do your part in finding new and innovative ways to reduce and reuse resources – Remember, it's not waste until someone throws it away
• Spread the word about proper waste etiquette
• If you live in residence, get involved in the Res Race to Zero program
• Share your ideas with campus sustainability groups such as the Environmental Design and Sustainability unit in CSBO, the President’s Sustainability Council or the Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability
• If you’re a student, join one of the many sustainability-related student Clubs and Organizations 
• Beautify the space around you by taking part in the Campus Cleanup

Want to learn more? Check out these Resources:

ZeroWaste Program:

• ZeroWaste FAQ
• YFile article: Greening York: ZeroWaste is coming to your office
• YFile article: MPP Mario Sergio tells legislature about York's initiatives in sustainability
• YFile article: Today, York lifts the lid on its new ZeroWaste initiative

Communal Waste Bins:

• Benefits of Communal Waste Collection
• Case Study: Ontario Government Buildings
• Case Study: Northern Illinois University

General:

• YFile article: More bins, better labels can improve waste diversion at York
• YFile article: Greening York: Tales of trash and tri-bins

Contact the Waste Management Supervisor Lorie Thatcher with any specific questions or requests at (416)736-2100 x 77526.