Smarter bins, cleaner campus
UM enhances outdoor waste collection with sustainability and safety in mind
UM is taking a step toward more efficient waste management with the transition to its new exterior waste bins for both campuses.
Designed with sustainability and campus safety in mind, these upgraded bins are being installed in October, which is Sustainability Month. The bins are set to transform how waste is collected and managed across UM’s outdoor spaces.
One of the key improvements is a strategic reduction in pickup locations. By consolidating waste collection points, the university aims to streamline operations, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize the emissions of waste transport. Fewer stops mean more frequent and more efficient service without compromising accessibility for campus users.
Each bin will be placed in a high traffic corridor and will feature clearer signage, making it easier for students, staff, and visitors to sort waste correctly. Whether it’s recycling, or garbage, the new labels are designed to reduce confusion and contamination, supporting UM’s broader sustainability and climate action goals.
In a nod to campus cleanliness and fire safety, the bins will be paired with designated receptacles for cigarette butts, and will be placed at least eight meters away from entrances and fresh air intakes (as per the UM clean air procedure), preventing littering and reducing the risk of environmental contamination and fires caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.
The bins are also designed to accommodate a Manitoba winter and deter wildlife, crucial features for a campus that shares space with curious critters. Engineered to resist tampering by raccoons, squirrels, and other animals, the new slanted top-load design helps keep waste secure, prevents unwanted messes and allows better access in the winter months.
The new bins were made possible in partnership with the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA). They are more than just containers, they’re a smart investment in a cleaner, more sustainable campus. Stay tuned for other waste related updates coming soon.