During Waste Week (October 6–10), the UBCO Sustainability Office led a series of engagement activities to promote waste reduction and sorting awareness across campus, supporting UBCO’s Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP 2030) goal of reducing per capita waste by 50 percent by 2030. A key highlight of the week was the introduction of new waste display cases in the Commons and University Centre (UNC). These displays feature real examples of common campus items and show where each belongs in the waste stream, helping students feel more confident about sorting correctly and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable campus.
The display cases were spearheaded by the Students’ Union Okanagan (SUO) in collaboration with the Sustainability Office, supported by Facilities Management. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating clearer and more effective waste diversion systems on campus, in support of UBCO’s sustainability goals. By combining student input with operational and educational support, the project demonstrates how collaboration can lead to meaningful, visible change.
“Student-led initiatives like this play a powerful role in building a culture of shared responsibility on our campus,” says Leanne Bilodeau, Associate Director of Sustainability Operations. “Clear, accessible waste-sorting tools help strengthen everyday habits and remind us that small actions contribute directly to UBCO’s CAP 2030 goals. These display cases show how student collaboration can spark meaningful change.”
Waste Week featured two main programs: Sort It Out and Let’s Choose to Reuse. Sort It Out ran in UNC and offered interactive activities and guidance regarding proper waste sorting. Students also completed a short survey to share their knowledge and experiences. Results showed that 75 percent of respondents were only somewhat or not familiar with CAP 2030, highlighting the importance of connecting waste sorting to UBCO’s climate goals. Only 41 percent of students said they felt confident in knowing what goes where, with many citing a lack of clear signage as the biggest challenge. Encouragingly, the large majority of the participants said the new waste display cases were helpful in improving their understanding.
Let’s Choose to Reuse took place on the Library Walkway and encouraged students, staff, and faculty to take small actions toward reducing waste by pledging to reuse. A total of 314 attendees completed a commitment and action survey during the week, and participants were reminded of the $0.50 eco discount available at campus food outlets for bringing their own cups or containers.
