Waste
Learn how we’re addressing waste — and the GHG emissions produced by waste — at UM.
Climate Action Plan
Waste we generate and send to landfill results in the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions addressed in the UM Climate Action Plan.
Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. We’re striving toward zero waste by reducing the amount of waste generated and diverting as much as possible from the landfill.
ACT
UM’s Climate Action Plan embraces the community’s willingness and desire to work together to see change. To achieve the action goals, everyone has a role to play. Here are some ways you can help us meet our climate action goals for waste.
Baseline
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2019
In 2019, waste contributed the third highest amount of GHG emissions, after buildings and energy and transportation.
Highlights
In order to increase access to and awareness of options to divert waste from the landfill, the University of Manitoba is rolling out hallway waste infrastructure systems which collect landfill waste, co-mingled recycling and paper products. Some systems also collect organics for composting.
Big moves Pathway actions for waste
In order to reduce UM’s GHG emissions from waste, we’re reducing the amount of waste we create on campus and finding ways to divert as much of it as possible away from the landfill.
Generate less waste
The first step in reducing UM’s GHG emissions from waste generated on campus is reducing the amount of waste being created. Many programs exist on campus to encourage a reduction in waste generated — such as the discount at campus food service locations for bringing a reusable coffee mug.
What we're doing:
- Creating a zero waste plan
Divert waste
We need to keep as much waste as possible away from landfill. One way is the new hallway waste infrastructure program, which makes it easier for our university community to divert recycling and organics from landfill.
What we're doing:
- Continuing upgrades to hallway waste infrastructure, including bins for 9 buildings in 2023
- Expanding the hallway organics program
Working group
Working groups are being established for each of the four action pillars to develop and implement the plans to reach net zero by 2050.
All working groups include UM staff who work in related areas who will bring their expertise to the table and provide direction on how to implement solutions.
The Waste Working Group is currently being established
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Contact us
Climate Action Plan
Office of Sustainability
152 Physical Plant Building
89 Freedman Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2