The University of Alberta is rolling out its Zero Waste Program across all buildings and campuses, with a goal of achieving 90% waste diversion. By establishing a consistent approach to waste sorting, the university is working to make waste diversion accessible and easy to understand for its campus community.
As part of this initiative, the university uses Busch Systems’ Evolve Series and Waste Watcher recycling and waste stations to support its program across a variety of campus environments.
Building a Consistent Waste Sorting Program
The university’s Zero Waste Program separates waste into four streams: Mixed Paper, Recyclables, Organics, and Landfill. Providing a consistent sorting system across campus helps students, staff, and visitors understand how to dispose of their waste, while supporting the university’s broader diversion goals.
According to Abbie Herbert, Waste Management Coordinator at the University of Alberta, consistency, functionality, and customization were key considerations when selecting waste sorting stations.
“We chose Busch Systems for their superior products and customization options. When rolling out a waste sorting program across a university campus, consistency is key and the products from Busch Systems are aesthetically pleasing and functional while fitting seamlessly within our existing program.“
The university uses Waste Watcher stations with customized lid decals and Evolve stations featuring custom artwork on both the body and overhead signage. These options help maintain a consistent look while providing clear sorting instructions throughout campus.
Flexible Solutions for Busy Campus Spaces
The university first introduced Evolve stations in one of its busiest event spaces, which hosts athletic and community events with thousands of attendees throughout the year.
Abbie described the practical considerations behind the change, particularly the need for stations that could accommodate busy events and changing layouts:
“The stations we used previously had lower capacity and were heavy and difficult to move, but the Evolve stations are easy to move and can even be disconnected as needed with the magnetic connector kits. This allows waste collection to flex with the needs of the event.”
The flexibility has helped staff incorporate station placement into event planning and adapt configurations to different layouts. Abbie added:
“Our event staff is now easily able to include placement of waste sorting stations as part of the event planning process and visitors to our spaces can easily learn how to sort waste in our spaces. We have continued to implement the Evolve stations in other areas where they receive positive feedback for their aesthetics and flexibility.“
Ease of maintenance is another consideration for the teams responsible for the program. As Abbie explained:
“The stations we have provide excellent functionality to both the users sorting waste but also our custodial staff, who find them incredibly easy to maintain.“
Supporting Progress Toward Zero Waste
Organics diversion is an important part of the university’s waste reduction efforts. In 2025, the University of Alberta diverted more than 400 tonnes of organics that would otherwise have gone to landfill. The university is now over halfway toward its goal of 90% waste diversion and continues working to make its program available across all buildings and campuses.
For Abbie, waste sorting stations also play an important role in helping the campus community understand waste diversion and recognize the university’s sustainability commitments.
“Waste sorting stations are more impactful than many think – they are something the members of our campus community see and interact with everyday, and they are how many learn how to sort waste as they reference the signage. A thoughtfully designed and easy-to-understand waste sorting station is a way to demonstrate that sustainability is a key institutional value.”
As the Zero Waste Program continues to expand, accessible sorting infrastructure remains part of the university’s approach to encouraging participation across campus.
A Collaborative Approach
Reflecting on the university’s experience working with Busch Systems, Abbie emphasized the role of customer service and collaboration in implementing the program.
“Our experience with Busch Systems has been wonderful. The customer service is truly exceptional and our account representative shares our passion for thoughtful implementation of our Zero Waste Program and they helped recommend the perfect products for our vision.”
Continuing the Journey Toward Zero Waste
We’re proud to partner with the University of Alberta as it continues expanding its Zero Waste Program and working towards its waste diversion goals.
