UAlberta Presentation

By,Taifoor Naz

HELLO UALBERTA: SOME WORDS ABOUT ME, MY WORK, MY EXPERIENCES & MY GRATITUDE

Who I Am & Why am I here?• I am Taifoor Naz• I am a MSc in Botany (1991) and Environmental Practice (2015)• I have worked as an ENVT Lab Aide in Keyano College, Fort McMurray• Recently, I have completed my 75 hours placement of MSc practicum at University of Alberta • My practicum topic was waste management• I have assisted Kentson Yan on the Zero Waste Pilot Project of UAlberta• Currently, I am enrolled in Master Composter Recycler Program of City of Edmonton and volunteering in different events regarding waste reduction.

What Did I do Here?• Basically, I represented EWMCE for this project• During the completion of my 75 hour placement, I worked for Kentson Yan• Performed bin monitoring, helped Kentson, Shannon, and Jessie for spot audits, and assisted Kentson in regular waste audits at UAlberta• Helped Kentson in data compilation and analysis• Participated in ground meetings• My report comprises of four objectives:

• Study of attentiveness and behaviors of users of the zero waste stations• Data analysis to determine current status of recycling, material

recovery, & contamination• Discussion of strengths, weaknesses, and key areas of concerns• Recommendations for further improvement

Data Collection and Analysis

Data Collectio

n

Bin Monitoring

Users' Bhavior/Attention to Signs% of Users had Materials and Used

Correct Bins% of Cross Contamination (Incorrect

Material in incorrect Bins)

Spot Audits

Weight of Correct Material in Correct Bins of 4 waste Streams

Weight of Contamination (Incorrect Material in incorrect Bins)

Data Analysis• The data obtained in 10 weeks was analyzed in three categories:

• “Number of materials users had” is the total amount and attempts of users in all

four streams• “Number of materials in correct bin” is the total of recycling• “Number of divertible not recycled” is the total of the use of LF

bins.

The Results• Marina

Summary of Analyzed Categories, MarinaCategories Total

Total Number of users monitored         227Number of materials users had 314Number of materials in correct bins 103(33%)

Number of divertible not recycled 212(67%)

Total Material Recovery Report, Marina

The Results (Contd…)•Market

Summary of Analyzed Categories, MarketCategories

Total Total Number of users monitored

279 Numbers of materials users had 338

Number of materials in correct bins 197(58%)

Number of divertible not recycled 141(42%)

Total Material Recovery Report, Market

The Results (Contd…)•SUB

Summary of Categories Analyzed, SUBCategories

Total

Total Number of users monitored 474Numbers of materials users had

614Number of materials in correct bins 298(49%)

Number of divertible not recycled 315(51%)

Total Material Recovery Report, SUB

Discussion• Material recovery rate is highest in the Market

(Effectiveness of Procurement)• The data indicates total material recovery rate as Marina

(33%), Market (58%), and SUB (49%)• Regarding percent purity, the highest waste stream is the

organics with over 80% from all of the stations studied followed by recyclables (approximately 50%).

• The studied Zero Waste Stations are fairly supplemented by informative signs and decals, but findings of this study suggest more enhanced functional value for these signs to improve users’ understanding to zero waste concept and the correct way to use it.

What did I observe?• For qualified analysis of the data, I used my observations during bin

monitoring and spot audits • My observations were focused on three aspects:• Users’ Behaviors

• Groups follow the first person• Stations near the exits such as Marina & SUB (DG & Stg) get less

attention of users• Other attachments/arrangements around stations gain extra attention

• Users’ Attentiveness• Users pay attention• Sustainability outreach worked in the Market with procurement

• Common Confusion About Materials• Napkins• Styrofoam• Plastic

What Did I Conclude?• After observations and literature review, I concluded that;•Waste management initiatives and goals of UAlberta are excellent• Zero waste stations are slowly catching the attention of users• There is a lack of awareness and interest present among users• Although the project has been implemented and users are aware of it, the actual purpose and significance of this initiative has not been properly communicated• Zero waste stations require conceptual introduction

My Recommendations• Effective communication • An online resourceful website for easy access• Focus on instilling this information in new students• Introduce outreach programs for the UAlberta community• Introduce volunteer opportunities for interested users

My Appreciation• I would like to extend my great appreciation to all the people who have helped me during this project• Kentson Yan for his continuous guidance • Shannon and Jessie for their wonderful welcome and support•Dr. Daryl for giving me this amazing opportunity and introducing me to Kentson

My Offers• If UAlberta is looking for assistance regarding the Zero Waste project, I am passionately offering my services voluntarily• If UAlberta will consider any of my recommendations applicable, they are welcome to incorporate them into the project. •UAlberta can also cite any portion of my final report on any forums as required• If UAlberta chooses to implement any of my recommendations, I would be more than willing to provide my expertise

Any Questions?

THANK YOU VERY MUCH