Green Tip of the Week!
Did you know that batteries release toxic heavy metals into the air, ground and water when they
are thrown into the garbage? Statistics show that batteries account for 88% of mercury and 50%
of cadmium in the Municipal Solid Waste stream. Luckily, special disposal practices can be used
to mitigate harmful effects. Check out the tips below to see how you can make a difference on
campus!
 To have the biggest influence, reduce energy consumption and use energy efficient
appliances to extend the life of batteries.
 Use rechargeable batteries wherever possible. The impact of generating 1 kWh of energy
using rechargeable or disposable batteries is comparable to the global warming impacts
of driving a car 16 km and 457 km, respectively.
 Discard old batteries at designated drop-off receptacles – almost every floor in every
building on campus has one! For more information on battery collection bins and
services, contact Western Office Supplies at Ext. 88122 on campus. If you’re off campus,
check out www.recycleyourelectronics.ca to find the nearest location to drop off your
batteries.
Green Tip of the Week!
Did you know pharmaceuticals contain substances that harm the environment when they are
thrown into the garbage? Luckily, special disposal practices can be used to mitigate harmful
effects. Check out the tip below to find out how you can make a difference on campus!
 According to Health Canada, incorrect disposal of expired and unused pharmaceuticals in
the garbage or toilet is an increasing health concern. Evidence suggests that these
substances can cause harm to aquatic species and vulnerable populations such as pregnant
women, newborns, and children. If you have leftover prescription and over-the-counter
drugs, they can be taken back to the Western On-Campus Pharmacy located in the lower
level of the UCC.
 If you’re off campus, contact your local pharmacy to see if they have a Medications
Return Program.
Green Tip of the Week!
Did you know that electronic waste contains substances that harm the environment when they are
thrown into the garbage? Luckily, special disposal practices can be used to mitigate harmful
effects. Check out the tip below to find out how you can make a difference on campus!
 E-waste such as cellphones, laptops and cords release toxic contaminants into the
environment. Electronic waste also contains valuable material, so why not dispose of it
correctly and recover the resources?
- On campus, electronic waste can be left on loading docks at the back of most
buildings. Alternatively, there are several designated drop- office receptacles for ewaste in the buildings across campus. The University Student Council also offers an
e-waste drive and pick-up service each year.
- If you’re off campus, check out www.recycleyourelectronics.ca to find the nearest
location to drop off your electronics.
Resources:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php
http://www.ecoevaluator.com/lifestyle/recycling/proper-disposal-of-batteries.html
http://www.ipb.uwo.ca/rocreport-2008-spring-summer/?p=11
http://www.uwo.ca/fm/recycling/
http://www.westerngazette.ca/2011/10/26/usc-runs-e-waste-drive/
http://www.ecoevaluator.com/lifestyle/recycling/proper-disposal-of-batteries.html