UTM's 10-year Sustainability Strategic Plan summarizes the overarching waste goals the UTM community must complete together through education and policy to help achieve a higher waste diversion rate.
UTM's Waste Goals
Goal 5.13
- UTM will implement waste management policies, programs, infrastructure, and receptacles to increase our diversion rate
Goal 5.14
- UTM will introduce new engagement initiatives for sustainability
Waste Initiatives
Waste Terms
Learning about waste terms can help grow our understanding of waste, its impact on the environment, and how the UTM community plays a vital role in achieving sustainable waste management on- and off-campus.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Waste contamination | When a recycling or organics bin contains garbage or other non-recyclable items, and/or when materials in the recycling bin are soiled with liquid/food residue |
| Waste diversion | Any materials that go into recycling or organics are considered landfill diversion as these materials are re-used and no longer disposed of in a landfill |
| Waste reduction | Reducing waste from entering the waste and recycling stream by reusing and repairing items |
| Zero-waste | At least 90% of waste is diverted from the landfill, incinerators, and the environment |