Brock University ranks third in Ontario when it comes to waste diversion and efforts are being ramped up for Waste Reduction Week (Oct. 19-25).

All faculties, staff and students are encouraged to get creative to recycle, reuse and reduce, said Domenic Maniccia, Brock’s Director of Custodial and Ground Services.

“Although third is good, I want to challenge the Brock community to strive to be No. 1,” he said. “Before it heads to the trash, think about what else it could be used for.”

He said Brock tries to make reducing waste easy in many different ways including by providing 23 hydration stations for refilling water bottles, dishes are used in the market rather than take out containers and recycle bins are readily available across the campus.

During waste reduction week, different departments are doing their part to limit trash. Here are a few examples:

• Central Utilities Building and Economics Department in Plaza are participating in a pilot program to reduce the volume of office waste by removing some containers. Big trash containers are being removed and smaller receptacles are being used. It is hoped this will reduce the volume of office waste.

• The General Brock store is running a coffee cup sleeve promo asking people to reuse their sleeves. If you use the same one nine times, you get a free coffee. The store is also offering coffee discounts when you use a reusable mug.

• Additional battery drop-offs are being placed around campus.

For more information and ideas on how to reduce waste, visit Sustainability at Brock or the Recycling Council of Ontario website.