TRU aspires to be a global leader in zero-waste, demonstrating alternative approaches to the common linear 'take, make, waste' paradigm by implementing systems and processes that are more in line with a circular 'reduce, reuse, repair' paradigm. The planet cannot sustain a linear system. Throwing things 'away' needs to be a concept of the past. By shifting to circular systems, TRU is working towards zero-waste, commonly defined as achieving 95% diversion from landfill. The TRU Zero Waste Plan (2022-2027) is an important steppingstone towards that goal. To learn more:

Download the Plan

What you can do

Reduce Waste by Reusing

Small actions add up! Consider carrying a reusable mug, water bottle, cutlery set and bag everywhere you go. This is an easy way to reduce waste associated with single-use disposable items.  Although items like single-use paper coffee cups and plastic water bottles can be recycled, it still takes a lot of resources to make those items, transport them to the point of use where they are then disposed of and once again require labour and resources to be collected, hauled to a recycling facility, and turned into something new.  

Did you know? TRU vendors offer discounts on most beverages like coffee when you bring your own mug. Also, Kamloops tap water is safe to drink, tastes great and it's free! Water bottle friendly water fountains are conveniently located in all major buildings on campus. 

To measure your impact every time you reuse while contributing to global giving projects and being entered to win prizes, check out the Fill it Forward program.

Utilize TRU's Makerspace to Repair Items

Located on the first floor of The Brown Family House of Learning is the TRU Makerspace. This space is free to use for TRU students, faculty and staff and includes items like sewing machines and thread that can be used to repair your items and extend their life.

Did you know? In partnership with the Sustainability Office and Transition Kamloops, the TRU Library Makerspace hosts annual Repair Cafés. These events bring in volunteers who can help you repair small household items or clothing.

Use the Zero Waste Stations Correctly

Don't Put Liquids in the Zero Waste Station Bins: Liquids in these bins make a mess, begin to smell and attract pests. They also contaminate the other items in that bin. Instead you can pour the liquids down a toilet, sink our dump them outside. There are also bins labelled specifically for collecting liquids in some high traffic areas. 

Stop and Sort: Read the signage and take the time to put your waste into the proper bin. If the item you have is not on the sign, consider downloading the City of Kamloops Waste Wise app. It is free to use and includes a 'Waste Wizard' feature where you can search an item and see what bin it goes in. Our recycling and compost/organics bins accept the same materials as those use for residential waste. 

When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you are not sure which bin an item belongs in, and you can't find information on the City of Kamloops Waste Wizard, it is better to throw in in the garbage than contaminate the recycling or compost bin. 

Did you know? TRU's janitorial services include dedicated staff who help decontaminate all materials collected from the recycling bins at zero waste stations (excluding residences) so that the items in the recycling dumpsters serviced by our hauler is 100% clean. These dumpsters are then locked to prevent contamination prior to hauling.

Note: While the recycling bins at the zero waste stations accept a wide range of materials, not all recyclable items can go into them (e.g. batteries). TRU has collection systems in place for over 20 special waste streams that ensure these materials are diverted from landfill. See below to learn more!

 

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Special Waste Streams

Besides common items that go in the zero-waste stations around campus, here is a list of other waste streams that TRU diverts from landfill and how to use them. 

Batteries

There are brown batteries-only recycling bins wall-mounted around campus at these locations. Recycling all types of household batteries. Put tape over the two points on 9-volt batteries so they don't catch fire.

Book Recycling 

The book recycling bin is located at the south entrance to The Brown Family House of Learning. The bin accepts hardcover books, paperback books, bound reports, and spiral-bound notebooks.

Corrugated cardboard

There are over 30 cardboard collection carts located on campus. Click here to veiw all locations. Please breakdown your boxes and flatten them before placing them in these carts.

Have a large volume of cardboard after receiving a big order? One-off requests for cardboard pick-ups can be emailed to [email protected]. Please flatten and stash the cardboard in a safe location that does not clock any hallways or entryways. Provide the room location to janitorial when submitting your request for pick-up. 

[email protected]

Electric waste

Properly recycle anything with a cord. Smaller electronics, like cellphones and laptops (once they are properly wiped of all personal data) can easily be put into the two metal electronic recycling boxes in front of the Bookstore and in BMO Student Street. For larger electronics, please fill in this form, and then email a work order (along with the form) to [email protected] to pick it up.

Palettes

Please leave them near outdoor yellow waste dumpsters around campus (not in them!) for pick-up by Facilities staff.

Printer ink and toner cartridges

Please put used catridges in a a bag, then in their box, then write with a felt marker "For Recycling". Then leave in any TRU Mail Room for pick-up.

Reusable items

TRU Procurement Services deals with the disposal of obsolete and surplus TRU goods that are of value. Please use this form. For items not covered with this process, create a Free Box and put in a high-traffic area around campus!

Sharps (used syringes)

Containers to properly handle used sharps are located here. TRU Security can also be called for help: 250-828-5033.

Styrofoam

Only big chunks can be recycled (not 'packing peanuts' or other small bits). Please drop off in the wheeled yellow carts in BMO Student Street, Facilities, or Open Learning.

Textbook reusing

Put unwanted textbooks in wooden bin outside TRU Bookstore. They're used by Better World Books in developing countries.

Hazardous waste

Properly recycle all hazardous materials: paint, solvents, chemicals, bleach, etc. Email [email protected] to pick them up.

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