| dc.description.abstract | Dalhousie University currently diverts 60% of its waste from landfills, but in order to
improve the University’s sustainability, a goal of 75% waste diversion has been set (Dalhousie
University Office of Sustainability, n.d.). To assist with this goal of waste diversion, this study
aims to examine the role of bin placement and signage in improving separation of waste. In order
to evaluate student and custodial staff perspectives and attitudes about the waste management
system at Dalhousie, written surveys were administered. Based on recommendations from
surveys and the clients of this project, waste audits were completed in the Goldberg Computer
Science Building and the Chemistry Building. One lobby and one classroom from each building
were selected, and audits were conducted before and after changes were made to the location and
signage. It was found that the organic and paper streams had the least amount of contamination
while the recyclables and garbage had the greatest amount of contamination. After the changes
were made to the four-bin systems, the most improved diversion was seen in recyclables. For
Dalhousie University to reach its targets in waste diversion, it is recommended that more
research should be completed. | en_US |
