News

Human Resources goes green

June 2, 2008

The Human Resources Administration Building is now the first building aiming to be a zero-waste facility. 

In March 2008, Human Resources was converted into a zero-waste facility. This means that they have been trying to eliminate sending any waste to the landfill by recycling and composting. Staff members have been making sustainability efforts by using the mini-bin paper recycling system and composting locations, as well as recycling cans and bottles.

For their first ten weeks, the East side and West side of the building held a competition to see who could lead a more sustainable work life.

Diversion rates

In January 2008, Human Resources was sending 60 percent of their waste to the landfill. Most of that waste included compostable and recyclable materials.

• March 2008, Human Resources was converted into a zero-waste facility.
• By August 2008, Human Resources sent only 10 percent of their waste to the landfill.
• Human Resources had achieved a 50 percent diversion rate.
• Out of the 10 percent of waste they send to the landfill, 67 percent of the material is still either recyclable or compostable.

The next phase is to completely eliminate recyclable and compostable material out of their waste stream sent to the landfill.

This 50 percent diversion rate was achieved in only six months. The goal of zero waste could be reached in the near future.

Originally published by the Waste Reduction and Recycling program.