Hours of operation: by appointment ONLY.
Contact us
Waste reduction
The University of Manitoba is committed to reducing the amount of waste produced and disposed of on campus.
We strive toward zero waste by educating the community, supporting source reduction efforts and optimizing waste sorting, collection, diversion and disposal to minimize negative environmental, social and economic impacts.

UM Sort
Use this easy tool to search for item recycling and disposal options on your campus.
Play the UM waste sorting game to 'Rethink Your Waste.'
Waste streams
By using the appropriate disposal methods on campus, we can help reduce contamination in waste streams and ensure campus waste is handled in the most responsible way possible.
Organics (post-consumer)
UM values the positive impacts of composting and is in the process of implementing a multi-phase plan to introduce new organics collection infrastructure in hallways across all buildings at the University. These bins accept the following materials:
- Any animal and non-animal food scraps including bones, dairy, fruits, vegetables, eggshell, bread, nut shells, cereal, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves and paper tea bags, parchment paper, paper towel
- Leaves, cut plants, bird feed, ash and charcoal, wood
- Shredded paper, food-soiled paper and cardboard, black and white newspaper
- Compostable packaging, dishware, bags (not biodegradable)
Please visit the UMToday article for more information.
Facts and figures
- All Dining Service locations collect pre-consumer orgaincs
- 58,701 kilograms of compost collected since July 2019
Outcomes
- Removing 81,000 kilograms of CO2 from the air
- Driving 323,573 fewer kilometres
- Planting 1,339 tree seedlings and having them grow for 10 years
Composting from home
Read about what you can do at home, whether or not you have a backyard
Mixed recyclables
Blue bins are located in each building to accommodate mixed container recycling. Plastic bottles #1-5 and #7 are accepted. Paper and cardboard products are also accepted. Single-use coffee cups must be thrown in landfill bins.
ReShop (office furniture)
The ReShop is an internal exchange service to reuse office furniture at the UM. You are able to post items in your department you are looking to dispose of, or you can browse listings to find something your office is in need of such as file cabinets, desks or tables, bookcases, magazine racks, room dividers and an assortment of other office furnishings.
Location:
149 Helen Glass Centre
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Electronic waste
An electronic waste program is available for UM staff and faculty. To recycle UM-owned assets, please complete the data destruction form.
Ink cartridges
When you have toner for recycling, please submit an online maintenance request. Label the problem as 'general services --> waste management'.
Landfill
Items not in one of the above-listed categories must be disposed of in a landfill bin. Common items include candy wrappers, chip bags, single-use coffee cups and lids, tin foil and soiled containers.
Reducing waste on campus
There are a number of ways we can help to reduce waste as part of the UM community.
Projects
We want your sustainable ideas!
Have a waste reduction and prevention idea? We want to hear from you. Get in touch at sustainability@umanitoba.ca.