Garbage in and garbage out
STORY BY JAIME POLMATEER
FEATURED IMAGE PROVIDED BY JOHN GREENWAY
Sheridan has partnered with Busch Systems, a company that manufactures recycling and waste containers, for a new garbage bin operation that will be tested across B-wing in the next couple of weeks.
One of the main goals of the new system is separating organic waste, which accounts for half the garbage that is sent to the landfill. The school would eventually like to compost on-site as this would cut dump costs in a big way.
“Over the years, Busch Systems has worked with well over 250 colleges and universities throughout North America,” said John Greenway, Busch Systems regional manager, “by providing affordable and customizable recycling and waste container solutions.”
Earlier this year, Sheridan asked for tenders for the supply, delivery and implementation of waste and recycling containers that would help the school in achieving its zero-waste goals.
The request for proposals was more than just a simple supply and delivery of containers, explained Greenway. “It requested that the vendor provide customizable, attractive solutions that could change and adapt as Sheridan’s (zero waste) program adapts.”
Busch Systems was awarded the contract to supply the containers in June.
The bins are colour-coded so people can easily recognize the proper receptacle in which to put recyclables, organics or waste.
“The goal is to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by 50 per cent in 2013 to 2014,” said Elaine Hanson, director for the office of sustainability, “then reduce it to 75 to 100 per cent in 2014 to 2015.”
With help from Busch Systems in finding affordable, user friendly ways to separate the recyclables from the waste, and the idea of on-site composting in the future, it’s possible for Sheridan to meet these goals.
“Busch Systems is very excited for this opportunity to work with Sheridan and we realize that the task will come with a few challenges along the way,” said Greenway. “We are both eager and willing to assist the college in not only meeting these challenges, but overcoming them and hopefully exceed the programs targets and goals.”
