Recycling at U of G

RecycleMania!

U of G entered the North-America-wide RecycleMania competition for the first year ever in 2012. Over 500 universities and colleges competed to see who could recycle the most over an 8-week period, from Feb 6th to March 31st. Looking at traditional recycling only, as well as the brand new Ewaste Division, the competition requires schools to submit weekly results and be judged as to who has the highest recycling rate, the most tonnes recycled, and other categories.

Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to "Recycle to Win!" by keeping up good recycling habits, and making an extra effort during the competition. Convenient drop boxes for small electronics were temporarily added in the UC, Library and AC, and over 150 keen recyclers received "mood pens".

We didn't take home top honours, but had a good solid showing in the Per Capita Classic, placing 3rd of 5 Canadian universities. Better yet, our recycling rates compared to the same time last year nearly doubled! We're looking forward to getting even better in next year's competition, so thank you to everyone who pitched in and recycled like MANIACS!

Recycling Goals

To encourage the community, and to align itself with provincial and regional goals, the university is trying to maintain a recycling rate - known as a diversion rate - of 60% of all waste produced sent for recycling (of some kind) or composting. In 2008, we achieved a 45% diversion rate, which then jumped to over 65% in 2009, and stayed close at 58% in 2010.

The Sustainability Office encourages everyone in the campus community to recycle as much as possible, and is here to support the community in achieving our goal. For details on what's being recycled, and studies and reports on our progress, visit Recycling Performance.