STORY BY JAIME POLMATEER
PHOTOS BY DANA MIELE
Sheridan is replacing the waste bins in B wing this week with new ones that have separate receptacles for food. The move will eventually divert large portions of waste from going to the landfill.
The bins are part of a larger plan that starts by separating organic waste and compostable material from the garbage and recyclables. Though it will still be going to the landfill at first, eventually it will be shipped to an offsite composting company.
“We will be having waste management bring it out to an offsite facility,” said Wai Chu Cheng, coordinator for the college’s Office for Sustainability, “but we have been exploring the possibility of putting it onsite and have been looking at the financial feasibility.”
Sheridan produced 237 tonnes of organic waste last year alone, so savings in landfill costs by composting at the school would be big.
“Because we are paying a contractor to take it offsite, that costs a lot of money,” said Cheng. “If we are able to have an onsite composting facility built here we will have the pay-back in a few years.”
The yearly cost to ship the waste is roughly $150,000. Though they are still looking at financial aspects, they hope to go ahead with onsite composting in the next two years.
One major use for the composted soil that will be produced is a community garden that the school has been looking into. Produce from the garden could be used at Sheridan’s cafeteria and student food bank as well as local food banks and restaurants.
“At this point we’re looking at creative ideas and what a fabulous idea that would be,” said Jeff Zabudsky, Sheridan’s president. “Imagine being able to grow food that gets delivered to the food bank and help people in need. I think it could be a real virtuous thing for Sheridan to be involved in.”
One of the biggest hurdles for the separation plan is informing people about the new bins and encouraging their proper use.
“If students are having lunch and they don’t finish everything, it has to be separated,” said Zabudsky. “So part of it will be just getting the education and awareness out there.”
Cheng says students, staff and faculty all need to be conscious about the new bins and take a moment to be sure garbage is going into the proper receptacle.
“We also need feedback. We need the people to let us know. If there are any comments, suggestions or questions, I really welcome hearing from the people.”
Cheng can be reached at waichu.cheng@sheridancollege.ca
