Sustainability Resources

This guide was created to support students and groups of the McGill Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS) to achieve their sustainability goals, however the facts, resources, and suggestions here are applicable to most student groups. This guide was put together by the EUS committee for Sustainability in Engineering at McGill (SEAM)

Waste

Waste Sorting at McGill

At McGill, waste is sorted into four streams like this video: garbage, paper products, glass/plastic/metal, and organic waste. The latter three categories require minimal contamination from garbage, thus sorting and education is extremely important. It is best to throw any uncertain items into the garbage.
Paper products: only clean paper products are accepted

• Empty juice boxes, cartons, oil-free cardboard, paper cups
• NO Pizza boxes, soiled napkins, glossy photo paper

Glass/Plastic/Metal: empty containers(uncleaned) except #6 plastic

• Cans, aluminum food trays, grocery bags
• NO #6 plastic, hot beverage lids, chip bags/cans, plastic food wrap

Organic Waste: food, soiled paper, compostable plastic

• Food, soiled napkins, pizza boxes, PLA plastic, chopsticks, paper plates
• NO other plastics, fabric, cork

Waste sorting is one of the easiest initiatives to implement. Pollution is a serious problem throughout the world. Diverting material from the landfill decreases soil, air, and water pollution, and the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Bins

McConnell Engineering Building

• Rico(porter) is very helpful, ask if there are problems or for large bins

Contact: desk by Dispatch in main entrance or call 514-398-4455

• Frostbite lends empty tubs for recycling and organic waste

Contact: 12:00 -17:00, Monday - Friday or frostbite@mcgilleus.ca

McConnell has organic waste, recycling, and garbage on the main floor, with garbage and recycling intermittently in the rest of the building. Large paper recycling bins are across from CopiEUS. The EUS common room has several garbage bins, one plastic/metal/glass bin, and one paper recycling box.

SSMU Building

• Midnight Kitchen may share their compost depending on the amount

Contact: midnightkitchencollective@gmail.com

• Garbage and recycling are available throughout the SSMU building.

Carrefour Sherbrooke Building

• Cafeteria will usually allow the use of their recycling and compost

Contact: Carrefour Sherbrooke Cafeteria during opening hours

The ballroom has garbage and plastic bins, and the cafeteria has all types.

Other McGill Locations

McGill Special Events office can help anywhere, but takes time and will refer you

• Contact: nakita.darveau@mcgill.ca, McGill Special Events

Compost Montreal

• A paid organic waste collection useful for large quantities, $40/hour

Contact: info@compostmontreal.com or call 514-690-5773

External Locations

Check what is available at external locations; if you request bins they are usually able to accommodate although you may need to bring bags.