To reduce the volume of laboratory waste sent to landfills, the University of Windsor has launched an initiative aimed at recycling uncontaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) from labs across campus. Gloves, masks, gowns, and hairnets that are free of contaminants are collected and sent to a specialized facility, where the materials are repurposed into new plastic products. This process not only reduces reliance on virgin materials but also supports the University's broader commitement to sustainability by embedding circular econmoy priciples into campus operations.
With four (4) simple steps, this is how your department or lab can participate:
- Contact CCC (ccc@uwindsor.ca) to request a labeled collection bin or box for your area. Alternatively, reuse any box to create your own, print and attach one of the pdf posters provided below.
- Place used, uncontaminated PPE in the collection container instead of the trash.
- Educate staff, students, new hires and colleagues in your area on the program.
- When your container is full, empty contents into the large consolidation bin in your area (if available, see below), otherwise contact CCC direct.
- Essex Hall - Consolidation bin located in room 374-3
- Biology Building - Consolidation bin located in room 213
- GIER - Consolidation bin located in room 127
Thank you to all participants!
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