NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 09/20/11 — Capilano University and Encorp Pacific (Canada) today announced a pilot program aimed at increasing the use of onsite containers for recyclable beverages at Cap–s North Vancouver campus.
A 2010 Beverage Container Return Study found that single men between the ages of 18 to 34 living in urban areas are the highest discarders of beverage containers. A “heavy discarder” is defined as those who typically discard at least two containers per week (not recycle). They are likely to work outside the home or are students.
While Cap U has 14 different streams of waste diversion currently in use at its three campuses, and is regarded as a leader in post-secondary in managing waste and implementing waste management programs, it views this partnership as a way to become even better. The project will see new recyclable waste bins that are easier to manage and that have better signage for refundables placed around the campus. In addition, the venture will involve close to 100 Cap U students who will be working on the project as part of their coursework.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to participate in a real-life work experience for a cause that is in alignment with the university–s values,” said Mitra Kiamanesh, instructor in Capilano University–s school of business. “It–s also exciting for them to know that they personally are helping to increase awareness of such an important issue.”
Students in Cap–s Environmental Geography program and Tourism and Outdoor Rec program will perform waste audits at the North Vancouver campus on Tuesday, September 20 and Tuesday, November 15. Audit results will be then be compiled and recommendations made that will assist Encorp in implementing this project at other post-secondary institutions. Students from the Business faculty–s Leadership in Teams program will prepare promotional and educational materials to market the revamped recycling program to the Cap U community. A final report will be delivered at the end of the project and will be available on Encorp–s .
“Our partnership with Capilano University students and instructors will enable us to examine perceived barriers to recycling and we can use this information to increase recycling within the province,” said Sandy Sigmund, Encorp–s CMO and director of program development. “The university is a good fit for the pilot because its students come from across the Lower Mainland, allowing us to spread the word more widely about the benefits of recycling.”
ABD Solutions Ltd. will provide on-site collection for beverage container recycling and Smithrite Disposal Ltd. will provide services for the students to conduct the two waste audits. Encorp Pacific (Canada) is funding the pilot project and has installed new beverage container recycling bins around the North Vancouver campus. Capilano University administration is coordinating the various onsite components of the pilot.
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university that serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Enrolment totals 7,500 students in credit programs each term with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university-level arts and science courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.
Encorp Pacific (Canada) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit stewardship corporation with beverage container management as its core business. They are committed to developing and managing a consumer-friendly and cost-effective system to recover beverage containers from consumers and ensure that they are recycled and not incinerated or land filled. They also provide their stewardship services on a contract basis to the Electronics Industry for the collection and recycling of regulated products, as well as the Dairy Industry to manage their voluntary Milk recycling program. To learn more about Encorp Pacific, visit return-it.ca.
Contacts:
Media Contacts
Encorp Pacific (Canada):
Manny Sahota
Program Coordinator
604.473.2419
Capilano University:
Mitra Kiamanesh
Business instructor
604.984.1793
Susan Doig
Facilities manager
604.990.7973