by Glenn Hasek
November 29, 2011 04:34
Green Lodging News recently reported that the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) achieved a 95 percent waste diversion rate during October's Greenbuild event. (See article.) I spoke with two of the key players responsible for the waste diversion success this week: Vince Quattrociocchi, vice president of operations for MTCC, and Vivian Fleet, MTCC's sustainability coordinator. I was curious to know how one can achieve such a high rate. Turns out that MTCC actually has a long history of producing "zero waste" events--events with waste diversion rates above 90 percent. It took a lot of planning with Greenbuild (U.S. Green Building Council) staff, MTCC personnel and waste management contractor Turtle Island Recycling to accomplish the high rate. Exhibitors and decorators also were key to the event's waste diversion success.
"We went through everything with a fine-toothed comb," Vivian told me. Cardboard and packaging was recycled. So was carpet end cuts--a large portion of the event's waste stream. These were sent to a company in Toronto for recycling. Biodegradable and compostable food service wares including cutlery, plates, cups, lids and napkins were used. These were made from corn-based plastic or bamboo. A food waste composter that produces dry material was used. Vince said the composter turned out to be nowhere big enough to handle the food waste from the event. "We are looking at larger systems," Vince said.
The U.S. Green Building Council organized the placement of volunteers, some of whom were students, at the recycling stations. Turtle Island provided dock monitors to ensure recyclables leaving MTCC were not contaminated. Measurement was important to reaching the high waste diversion rate. "USGBC hired a third party consultant to ensure the green program was real and the audit results were real," Vince said. A team approach was key to the 95 percent waste diversion rate. "You need everybody involved," Vince said. "You need that team aspect."
The 95 waste diversion rate was the highest in the 10-year history of Greenbuild. "We are able to provide that level of green meeting to any client," Vince said.
What is the highest waste diversion rate you have ever achieved at an event? What waste items are the most difficult to recycle or repurpose? Please be sure to leave your comments here.
