Waste Management
Effective waste management is a vital part of Mount Royal University’s sustainability efforts. It takes all of us - students, staff, and faculty - to make a difference. Every year, our campus produces more than 450 tons of waste, recycling, and organic material, that’s the equivalent of over 25 full-sized school buses!
Why Reduce Waste to Landfill?
Landfills are designed to store waste, not break it down and most are quickly running out of space. No one wants a landfill in their backyard, and sending material abroad for processing is becoming increasingly expensive. These costs ultimately impact institutions like MRU.
A 2020 City of Calgary landfill study found food scraps, grass clippings, and even a newspaper from the 1970s, completely intact after more than 50 years underground. Clearly, what we throw “away” doesn’t just disappear.
What We’re Doing
Facilities Management is committed to working with campus vendors to:
- Reduce garbage generation
- Increase recyclable and reusable materials
- Expand access to convenient, clearly labelled recycling stations
By making it easier to sort materials properly, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact.
If you would like a specialty recycling container or have questions about what materials are accepted, email sustainablemru@mtroyal.ca.
When requesting a container, please include the location and container type(s) you need.
Campus Recycling Programs
Accepted: All common household batteries.
Preparation: Please bag or tape terminals on batteries greater than 12V.
Safety:
- No broken, leaking, or oversized batteries (>5 kg)
- No wet-cell (car) or e-bike/scooter batteries
Learn more about the Battery Recycling Program here →
Current MRU Drop-off Location:
- Outside the Campus Bookstore on Mainstreet (H100)
Proposed Additional Locations:
- Library Print Room
- Wyckham House
- Recreation Centre
- West Residence (Floor TBD)
East Residence Utilities Block
Accepted: Phones, tablets, computers, TVs, cables, cords, and small electronics.
Not Accepted: Refrigerants or items with swollen/damaged batteries.
For large items (printers, microwaves, large TVs, etc.), please submit a Frontline request for pickup.
Learn more about E-Waste Recycling here →
Current MRU Drop-off Locations:
- Outside the Campus Bookstore (H100)
- Central Shipping & Receiving (I108)
Proposed Additional Locations:
- Outside the IT Help Desk (E251)
- Library Print Room
- Recreation Centre
- Wyckham House
Accepted: Pens, pencils (mechanical and traditional), highlighters, markers, and whiteboard markers.
Not Accepted: Digital pens (please recycle through the e-waste program).
Current MRU Drop-off Locations:
- Outside the Campus Bookstore (H100)
- Central Shipping & Receiving (I108)
Proposed Additional Locations:
- Library Print Room
- Wyckham House
- Recreation Centre
- East Residence Utility Block
- West Residence Common Area (TBD)
Department/faculty common areas or conference rooms (by request)
Take part in our “Take a Book, Leave a Book” initiative!
Please donate only relevant books in fair condition. Kindly avoid leaving bulk personal collections.
Current MRU Drop-off Locations:
- Bookshelf outside the Campus Bookstore
- Mini Library relocated to the Gauthier Court & Charlton Pond area