Put waste in its proper place! Introducing TMU’s Waste Wizard!
Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to sustainable waste management practices. Good environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility and you can make a valuable contribution to our efforts to reduce waste and foster ecological recovery.
To improve our waste diversion and our recycling and composting capacity, Facilities Management and Development implemented four-stream waste bins to recover more materials destined for landfill and redirect them to recycling and composting facilities. And now the Sustainability Office is launching a new digital tool to empower our community to reduce TMU’s environmental impact and facilitate good day-to-day habits.
Introducing the TMU Waste Wizard!
To help you put waste in its proper place, the Sustainability Office is happy to introduce the TMU Waste Wizard!
Look for the wizard’s QR code on a selection of waste receptacles on campus — or visit torontomu.ca/waste-wizard — and use the online app to search by keyword to find the right way to dispose of non-hazardous waste in TMU-owned buildings. — No one knows waste better than the Wizard!
Why preventing waste stream contamination is important
When people aren’t sure which bin to use for disposal, they choose the one they think might be the most appropriate and hope their refuse will find its way to the right waste or recovery program. But improper disposal — such as coffee cups in the paper stream — can “contaminate” the stream and the materials.
Contamination imperils diversion
If there are contaminants in a load, it may be too challenging for waste and recycling facilities to sort through all the streams.
That could mean that an entire load of recyclables could be rejected and viable materials might get sent to landfill instead!
Top tips for campus waste-diversion
Practice the 5 Rs of Waste Diversion: refuse single-use items, reduce your waste, reuse items, recycle and compost (“rot”) where you can.
Learn what waste goes where to sort your waste into the correct streams.
Use the TMU Waste Wizard if you are unsure about the best option for disposal!
Is TMU’s recycling the same as the city’s?
Services that provide waste and recycling collection are site-specific. Buildings and institutions that are not served by City of Toronto services may have some variation in what they accept for recycling. The recycling programs in buildings not owned by the university vary. The TMU Waste Wizard provides information for TMU-owned buildings.
Put waste in its place to help protect the planet
As the negative impacts of waste have reached a critical tipping point, the choices we make and our diligence in responsible consumption and disposal is essential for the preservation of waterways, ecosystems, wildlife and our planet’s vitality.
Putting waste in the right place is important — if you need help with what waste goes where, ask the wizard!
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact Sharmilla Raj, sustainability manager, at sustainability@torontomu.ca.