Campus Waste-Sorting Initiatives

The BUSU Waste-Sorting Initiative, launched by the Brock University Students’ Union as part of its broader sustainability plan, introduces an integrated waste-sorting system designed to decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills. Implemented at key campus locations such as Union Station, the initiative involves student staff managing the segregation of waste from food businesses, ensuring that over 95% of materials are either recycled or composted. The system was introduced following a collaborative planning process, which included experiential education contributions from students and guidance from Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre.

In addition to the operational measures, the initiative includes a framework for regular waste audits that evaluate the composition and quantities of waste generated on campus. These audits have documented significant improvements, as evidenced by the reduction in the Student-Alumni Centre’s share of campus waste from 7.75% in 2019 to 2.36% in recent measurements. This data-driven approach supports ongoing efforts to enhance waste management practices and reinforces BUSU’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across its facilities and operations.

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