NSCC takes a holistic approach to sustainability by managing resources responsibly and reducing waste across all campuses. Through annual waste audits, targeted initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, and innovative programs for electronic recycling, the College is continuously improving its environmental performance. These efforts not only minimize our ecological footprint but also engage students, staff, and the broader campus community in sustainable practices, fostering a culture of accountability, awareness, and action.

Annual waste audits

NSCC’s annual waste audits play a crucial role in shaping our waste management strategies. The audits focus on three key areas: education, to enhance awareness and encourage responsible waste disposal; policy, to establish clear guidelines; and infrastructure, to ensure access to tools and facilities needed for effective waste management.

These audits help identify key benchmarks, including the waste diversion rate, which measures the percentage of waste diverted from landfill through recycling and composting, and the annual waste generation rate per person. Tracking this data ensures accountability and drives continuous improvement.

In 2024/25, NSCC achieved an average waste diversion rate of 71 percent.

Streamlining electronic waste recycling

Over the past year, NSCC partnered with the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA)/Recycle My Electronics to improve electronic waste management. Instead of each campus running a separate system, the College now collects electronics such as computers, laptops, cell phones, TVs, and small household appliances like coffee makers and toasters, which EPRA picks up directly from campuses.

Since the partnership began in April 2024, NSCC has recycled 35 tonnes of electronics, equivalent to the weight of about 21 cars. This program enhances waste diversion by capturing e-waste not only generated on campus but also contributed by the campus community. E-waste collection bins are available across campuses to encourage responsible recycling.

Putting a cap on bottled water

This summer, the Sustainability Team conducted a study to explore strategies for minimizing and potentially eliminating single-use bottled water on NSCC campuses. As part of this work, the team consulted with other Canadian post-secondary institutions, including McGill University and the University of Ottawa, to learn from their experiences implementing bottled water bans.

The study highlighted that reducing bottled water use can significantly lower plastic waste, decrease carbon emissions, and cut costs for students. Beyond environmental and financial benefits, this initiative is tied to equity: providing accessible hydration stations ensures all students have safe, free drinking water, supporting water as a fundamental human right.

NSCC is planning to roll out education and outreach initiatives around bottled water and hydration stations and will explore ways to make refillable bottles more accessible. These efforts aim to reduce the sale of single-use bottled water on campus while promoting sustainable habits and equitable access to clean drinking water for all.