1980s: STUDENTS EXPAND RECYCLING PROGRAMS
A forerunner in environmental issues since its founding, staff and students at WPIRG played a leading role in the establishment of a robust recycling program on the University of Waterloo Campus and pressuring for the expansion of waste management services in the Region of Waterloo, introducing blue bins in 1988. WPIRG even created a specific temporary staff position to coordinate the campaign. First initiating its own small-scale and student-run pilot recycling operation at Needles Hall on main campus in 1988, WPIRG later began negotiations with university administration and Plant Operations to have the program expanded across campus. In parallel, WPIRG staff and volunteers negotiated with the City to introduce innovative recycling programs to the region, a legacy that continues to affect the daily lives of community members in managing their individual impact on environmental sustainability.
WPIRG’s leadership was recognized with a ?? award from Waterloo Region’s Waste Management in 1990?. An “Award of Merit” was given by the Regional Council of Waterloo for WPIRG’s work in waste management and recycling in 1989. The success of this collective effort remains a prime example of the way in which WPIRG has allowed students the space to cultivate radical ideas before their widespread adoption. With the present realities of climate change, living in a community without robust waste reduction and management programs seems almost inconceivable today.
“It was not so long ago that… groups like WPIRG were considered fringe elements of our society.”
1989 WATERLOO CHRONICLE:
“A proposal should be judged on whether it meets the needs of the students in being able to practically participate.”
1989 WATERLOO CHRONICLE:
“There is currently a fine paper recycling project on campus, but it doesn’t divert nearly enough waste for Waterloo’s citizens to breathe a sigh of relief.”
1989 WPIRG COLUMN IN THE IMPRINT:
“The university produces six tonnes of garbage per day and contributes the greatest quantity of garbage in Waterloo to the Erb Street Landfill. A full-scale, universally accessible recycling programme to be installed at the University of Waterloo is overdue.”
An “Award of Merit” was given by the Regional Council of Waterloo for WPIRG’s work in waste management and recycling. Ontario PIRG, which is the provincial networking headquarters for all of the PIRGs, received the United Nations Global 500 Award. This was one of only three awarded in Canada. Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Kenneth Brynaert were the other Canadian recipients.
