ANALYZING THE LEVELS OF COMPLIANCE TO THE KILLAM LIBRARY FOUR-BIN WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO DETERMINE AREAS OF CONCERN FOR FUTURE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this audit was to observe and analyze the waste diversion compliance levels within the four-bin waste systems of Killam Dalhousie University. Two audits took place where waste was sorted and data was collected from the four-bin systems on each floor of the Killam. Interviews conducted with two custodial members working prior to the implementation of the four-bins systems emphasized that there had been major improvements of waste diversion since the implementation of the garbage systems. After analyzing data from the waste audits, results indicated that there are still evident contamination levels within the four-bin systems. Major contamination items, which were found in each bin included coffee cups and cans. Liquid waste was also problematic as it contaminated many of the paper products, which then had to be thrown into the organics bin. Recommendations and solutions to improve efficiency include designing an educational sustainability tour addressing proper waste diversion, creating a waste diversion visual link offered on Dalhousie’s website, implementing a 5th bin for liquid waste, and creating more informational signs highlighting different brands of where waste items should be placed. Future research concerning the social relationship of individuals between floors with the lowest or highest compliance levels would be beneficial to this field of research in determining reasons for varying levels of contamination. Furthermore, a study regarding which types of sorting and diversion posters work the most efficiently would be beneficial to improving the compliance rates as well.