Waste and Recycling

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 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 bin contains garbage or other non-recyclable items, and/or when materials in the 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