Cleaning and waste management practices
We prioritize sustainability and cleanliness through efficient waste management practices and regular maintenance schedules. Our initiatives ensure a clean and healthy environment for all community members.
Cleaning schedule
Our regular office cleaning schedule balances cleanliness with convenience:
- Full office cleaning: Every two weeks, including dusting, surface wiping and floor cleaning.
- Night-shift cleaning: Major cleaning tasks are performed nightly to avoid disruptions during working hours.
Additional cleaning services are available for after-hours events or functions, for a fee. Email the service desk or call 905.721.3333 for more information.
- Carpet deep cleaning: Conducted twice a year as part of routine maintenance.
- Extra carpet cleaning: Can be arranged outside of the regular schedule, with applicable charges.
Service requests: If you notice any issues, scan the QR code in each washroom to submit a service request.
Contact the Service desk at ext. 3333 if a mobile device is unavailable.
Centralized waste collection
The university has a centralized garbage and recycling collection system. With this system, you sort and dispose of waste and recycling in communal bins positioned in designated common areas around campus, including each floor of all university buildings and high-traffic areas.
Note: Office areas will have desk-side recycle bins, and classrooms will continue to have waste and recycling bins available.
For more information, contact sustainability@ontariotechu.ca.
Centralized bin facts
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Contribution to sustainability
Waste diversion rate—it's important
The waste diversion rate measures the amount of waste removed from campus without incineration or landfill disposal. The university conducts annual waste audits with Waste Management Services to track this rate.
Contribution to sustainability
Centralized bins help us sort waste better, keep recyclables out of landfills, and reduce our environmental footprint. The bins encourage mindful waste disposal and recycling habits by:
- Promoting awareness of waste production and disposal.
- Providing clearly labelled bins that aid in identifying recyclable materials and proper sorting, reducing contamination.
- Eliminating plastic liners for small desk-side garbage bins, which often become contaminated and are discarded prematurely.
Community consultation during implementation
Consultation occurred throughout the planning and implementation process, and it continues as part of our communication strategy. Input was gathered from the Sustainability Committee, Student Union, various committees, and departments, as well as from other institutions with similar programs.
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Using the bins
Locations
The bins are located in designated common areas around campus, including every floor of university buildings (one to four bins per floor, depending on capacity). They can also be found in high-traffic areas, such as near food services and atriums.
Features
The bins are clearly labelled with words and icons indicating the type of waste for each receptacle.
Organic waste disposal
At this time, organic (food) waste is not collected in the centralized bins. The university is developing a campus-wide composting program based on the positive response to a food waste collection pilot program at the downtown Oshawa campus location. For now, place all organic waste in the centralized bin's ‘Waste’ receptacle.
Accessibility considerations
For individuals with accessibility issues who cannot carry their waste to the centralized bins, contact sustainability@ontariotechu.ca. We will work together to resolve the situation on a case-by-case basis.
Centralized waste bin management
Housekeeping staff monitor the centralized bins daily and empty them three times a week or more frequently as needed. This helps prevent bins from overflowing and reduces unpleasant odours.
