At the start of the fall 2026 term, MacEwan University announced to staff and students that waste bins would be removed from classrooms and offices, with some exceptions, to reduce the 330 garbage bags used per day.
Before the waste bins were removed, signs were placed above them, asking staff and students to use garbage bins in the hallways to “help maintain a clean and welcoming campus.”
The policy was updated this week.
The university says that waste bins will be returned to offices and workstations, and will remain in hands-on teaching and learning spaces, but will still be removed from lecture and instructional classrooms.
As part of the policy update, “faculty and staff will be responsible for emptying their own waste bins into the larger common-area waste bins.” The decision will reduce the time custodial staff spend emptying individual bins and the number of garbage bags used.
Hands-on learning spaces that will keep waste bins include “science labs, performing arts spaces, shops, massage and acupuncture labs, nursing labs and similar spaces,” including design and fine arts studios.
Waste bins will still be removed from the University Service Centre and lecture halls, as centralized waste and recycling bins in hallways and common areas are more easily accessible.
MacEwan University told the Griff that feedback from students and staff was part of the motivation behind the policy change.
“We are always open to feedback — we listened and adjusted our approach based on what we heard.”
