Waste reduction
Waste management
NSCC's current waste diversion rate is 65%.
Despite the decline in our waste diversion rate from its peak of 75%, we have maintained our commitment to sustainability. The increasing waste generated at student housing sites and the impacts of COVID-19 have posed challenges, but we have persevered. Our 'pack it in, pack it out' system and the comprehensive waste sorting program for students living on campus are a testament to our ongoing efforts.
Our annual waste audits are instrumental in guiding our waste management strategies. We focus on three key areas for improvement: Education, to raise awareness and promote responsible waste disposal; Policy, to set clear guidelines and expectations; and Infrastructure, to provide the necessary tools and facilities for effective waste management.
Goals for 2024/25
- Refresh pack it in/out campaign to bring new life to the program and create awareness.
- Increase education and training for staff and students.
- Increase engagement and participation in waste audits.
Recap of 2023/24
- NSCC's waste diversion rate is currently 65%, down from a peak of 75%.
- We remain committed to sustainability despite the decrease in our waste diversion rate.
- Our waste management strategies focus on education, policy, and infrastructure.
Waste sorting in student housing
With the opening of two new student housing sites, the challenge of maintaining our waste diversion rates with students living on campus has increased. To address this challenge, we have successfully implemented key strategies to meet our goals and support our success in waste sorting. Education plays a crucial role in our waste-sorting efforts. We have focused on educating the Community Assistants and Student Housing Coordinators to ensure that the message of waste sorting is consistently conveyed to the students. In addition, involving students in the waste audit for their student housing site has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting active participation in waste sorting practices.
Establishing sorting rooms in the new student housing sites has provided a dedicated space for students to sort their waste, effectively facilitating our waste management objectives. These efforts are integral to our commitment to maintaining an effective waste diversion program, and we will continue to explore innovative strategies to promote waste sorting and sustainability within student housing.