VIU has 4 main waste streams, and we are finding ways to make as many opportunities as feasible for you to use them all:
- compost
- bottles and Cans
- recycling
- waste
Compost
Use this bin for
- food scraps
- food soiled paper
- napkins
- paper plates and bowls
- paper takeout containers
- paper towels
- pizza boxes
- wooden cutlery
Bottles and cans
Use this bin for all refundable beverage containers
- pop cans
- energy drink containers
- plastic bottles
- milk cartons
- juice cartons
Recycling
We do mixed recycling at VIU, so use this bin for
- cardboard
- clean aluminum food trays
- clean food cans (vegetables, soup)
- dry paper products
- empty single use cups
- hard plastic containers (food containers, clean tubs and lids)
- paper
- plastic lids
Waste
Use this bin for
- candy wrappers
- chips bag
- condiment sachets (ketchup, mustard)
- cups with liquid in them
- drinking straws
- dirty plastic containers (yoghurt)
- plastic cutlery
- plastic squeeze tubes (toothpaste)
Other waste streams
Batteries
Batteries do not belong in recycling or waste bins. Please dispose of your used batteries in a battery recycling box. Most buildings across the university have battery boxes. If the box in your building, area, or department is full, please email facility@viu.ca for pickup and replacement.
Pens
We use the Staples free pen recycling program at VIU. Most buildings have a pen collection point and if they don’t, feel free to start one. All you need is a bag or box and, when it is full, email facility@viu.ca for pickup.
Styrofoam
There is a Styrofoam recycling container at B120 (Facilities Management and Development building). If you only have small amounts of Styrofoam, please put it with the mail out for collection. For larger amounts of Styrofoam, please submit a facilities request for pickup.
How you can help
There are lots of things you can do to help us keep garbage out of the landfill and to reduce our overall amount of waste!
- learn what goes in which bin – look at the signage on our multi-stream bins, display cases, and information sheets around the university
- join the “Adopt a Bottle Bin” initiative and keep the money from refundables for your club, group, charity, or other use (email sustainability@viu.ca )
- choose to eat-in rather than take-out at our cafeterias to save on disposable containers – and money