Okanagan College Enviro Club - Kelowna

For more info contact:
Jennifer Paulsen: jenniferpaulsen@gmail.com

November 6, 2008

Press Release

UBCO and OC complete initial trash audits

A competition between UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College resulted in a successful end to phase one of the challenge. Both schools completed initial waste audits of one day's worth of trash and the results are in. 72% of the trash thrown out at UBC Okanagan was not garbage, compared to 70% at Okanagan College.

UBC Okanagan found that only 28% of what was thrown away in one day was actually garbage. 42% were recyclables such as paper, plastic, tin and cardboard, and 30% was compostable items such as food waste, biodegradable containers and paper towel. The campus produced over 10,000 liters of garbage in one day!

Okanagan College produced about half the amount of garbage (5542 litres) in one day, but had similar results when it came to waste streams. 30% of the trash was actual garbage, but 5% was styrofoam, which was diverted and recycled through a private partnership.  37% of the trash was recyclable and 33% was compostable.  Some of the strange items destined for the garbage included unopened chocolate bars, a pair of work boots, large reusable banners, electronics and various metallic items. A large number of returnable bottles and cans were also pulled from the trash.

Both campuses plan to implement stronger and more convenient recycling programs, as well as creating composting programs. To be successful, they will have to integrate easy collection methods for the different types of waste and extensive education campaigns.  Students will also analyze the type of garbage, such as the many disposable cups on campus, and find ways to further reduce total volume of garbage.

The active role these students have taken shows the community the importance of being responsible for what we consume and the waste we create. Our actions and attitudes must change to build a healthier, more sustainable community. Students at both campuses showed incredible enthusiasm and passion and had a fantastic time during audit. Thank you to all students, faculty and Facilities Management for creating a successful campus event and actively reducing waste!

Both campuses will hold additional audits in the spring to see whether their efforts pay off in reducing the volume of recyclables and compostables in the trash.

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Photos Below

UBC Okanagan Waste Audit Participants, October 22 2008

UBC Okanagan Waste Audit, October 22, 2008

Okanagan College Waste Audit Participants, November 4, 2008

Okanagan College Waste Audit, November 4, 2008

Sign made by UBC Okanagan Students October 22, 2008

For more information, contact

Lindsay Eason, Regional Waste Reduction Office

Phone 250 868-5121 or email lindsay@globalaffinity.ca