STOP! YOUR DIRTY CONTAINERS IN THE BLUE BINS ARE GOING STRAIGHT TO THE LANDFILL

We know our community is conscientious about reducing their carbon footprint and supporting SFU’s commitment to sustainability and climate action. But as people start coming back to campus, we want to give you some pointers when you’re standing in front of our four-stream waste bins.

Contamination in our bins is a waste of your recycling efforts

When you’re finished that tasty bowl of noodles at Maggie Benston Centre, please don’t put it in the blue recycling bins. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but that plastic bowl can’t be recycled until it is cleaned. Here’s what you do:

1. First, dump the contents of your finished food item into the green compostables bin.
2. Next, ideally the container is lightly rinsed with dish soap. In the absence of a sink nearby, give your recyclables a good wipe.

It’s an extra step for sure, but that one dirty plastic bowl could mean the entire bin being taken to the landfill.

Single use coffee cups – throw the whole thing in the blue bin

Did you know that in BC our recycling facilities are capable of sorting and separating single use coffee cups? Here’s what to do with coffee cups:

1. Make sure your cup is empty before throwing out.
2. Throw the whole thing in the blue bin. That’s the lid, the paper cup and the sleeve.

It goes without saying that the best way to consume your morning cup is to bring a reusable mug. Find a stylish thermos at the Bookstore & Spirit Shop or learn about SFU’s Mugshare program.

Facilities Services also helps recycle other items like electronics, furniture and much more. Find updated printable signs for our four-stream waste bins and learn more about waste reduction at SFU.