All of the 1.1 million coffee cups and 13 metric tonnes of polystyrene materials disposed of annually on campus can now be recycled.

"While waste reduction is always a preferable strategy, it’s still important to find ways to divert materials from landfill through recycling," says Llynwen Osborne, Waste Coordinator, Physical Plant Services. “With everyone’s cooperation and effort, we are finding ways to divert a variety of materials from the university’s waste stream.” 

Beginning Oct. 1, people on campus can put all empty coffee cups and lids (removed from the cup) and clean Styrofoam packaging materials in the Cans, Glass and Plastics recycling stream. Popcorn-style and large pieces of Styrofoam can be placed in clear plastic garbage bags and placed in or beside Cans, Glass and Plastic recycling containers.

Campus community members are still encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs to campus vendors to receive a discount on their beverage purchases. The reusable mug program not only benefits the environment, it also rewards campus users for making a sustainable choice.

BFI Canada agreed to begin recycling the materials after completing a successful pilot program at St. Lawrence College.

For more information about Queen’s waste diversion visit the Sustainability Office website.