| dc.description.abstract | The Halifax Dump and Run is an annual community event organised by Saint Mary’s University Environmental Society and Dalhousie University Sustainability Office. It collects unwanted items from students at the end of each academic year to sell at low cost to the public. All proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations, as well as remaining unsold material (Halifax Dump and Run, 2013a). This student-run program contributes to local sustainability by creating environmental, economic and social benefits for Dalhousie campus and the Halifax community. These impacts include diverting waste from landfills and providing economic benefits to local charities (Halifax Dump and Run, 2013a). This research report aims to provide an in-depth analysis and investigation into the Dump and Run program.
It is the opinion of the research team that the current program has the potential to be even more effective and beneficial, and that an investigation of the program deliverables would be valuable in determining true sustainability potential of the Halifax Dump and Run. When compared to similar reuse programs at other universities the Halifax Dump and Run measurably lacks. Background research revealed that the Ottawa University’s Furniture Reuse Program generated approximately $2.4 million between 2009 and 2011 (Morin, 2011). The research conducted in this project provides valuable insight for the Dump and Run, while recommendations highlight areas where the program can provide better service.
This research project used quantitative research methods, conducting an interview with the lead co-ordinator of the Halifax Dump and Run in order to calculate program deliverables. Overall, the results of this research indicate that the program is creating a positive impact, given its limited resources. Based on these result, the Halifax Dump and Run contributes towards greater campus and community sustainability, especially in its impact on waste diversion and charitable donations. In 2014, the Dump and Run diverted 9 tonnes of material from landfills, disposed of only 25 kilograms of material and raised $5830.00 for local charity organizations.
Based on the findings, three recommendations have been made that could benefit the Dump and Run. First, expand the Halifax Dump and Run’s services to the public by running the program for a longer period of time, as opposed to a one day event. Second, strengthen the program’s social media presence and outreach. Third, improve internal program monitoring and evaluation so that measurable improvements can be made to the program in the future. | en_US |
