Recycling & Waste

Lakehead is committed to reducing waste and lessening our impact on the environment. To these ends, Lakehead has implemented a number of waste diversion initiatives:

 

Waste Reduction Guide 

Open this Waste Reduction Guide to learn where you can donate (or swap) the following items at Lakehead University: Clothes, Food, Kitchen Dishes and Small Appliances, Batteries, E-Waste, Toners and Cartridges, Light Bulbs, Books, Office Supplies, and Furniture.

 

Wolfie's Closet

Wolfie’s Closet is a collaboration of various closets on campus with participating units including: the Office of Sustainability, Pride and Gender Equity Centre, Career Zone, International Student Office, and Ingenuity. Each of these units have made a collective effort to gather gently used clothing that students can take for free. Clothing can be donated by anyone year round, and regular Pop-Up Clothing swaps provide students with several opportunities to refresh their wardrobe. Out with the old and in with the new (to you)! 

To Donate to Wolfie’s Closet: Drop off clean clothes at any of these locations during their open hours: 

  • Office of Sustainability (CASES 2004F)

  • LUSU’s Pride and Gender Equity Centre (UC 0019)

  • Career Zone (SC 0013)

  • International Centre (LI basement)

Accepted Items: Clean and gently used clothing, shoes, outer wear (coats, hats, mitts, boots, etc.)

To Shop: Attend a Pop-Up or visit one of the following campus closets! 

Gwen’s Closet 

  • Pride and Gender Equity Centre (UC 0019)

  • Open year-round

  • Pop-up events every semester

  • Free, gender-affirming clothes available for trans and non-binary students

  • Fitting room available

  • Looking for a specific item or Interested in donating? Fill out the item request form.

Career Closet 

  • Career Zone (SC 0013)

  • Summer Hours: Tuesday - Thursday ,1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 

  • Fall/Winter Hours:  Monday - Thursday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 

  • Open year-round 

  • Quarterly pop-up events

  • Clothing is always available on a drop-in basis for students needing an interview or professional outfit.

International Student Winter Drive 

  • International Centre (LI Basement)

  • Happens in winter, around December to February

  • Accepted winter gear items: winter jackets, boots, blazers, mitts, hats, etc. 

Follow these accounts on social media to stay up to date on the next pop-up location!

If you, or a student you know, needs to urgently access Wolfie’s Closet or have questions, please contact Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator, at rporting@lakeheadu.ca or fill out this Google Form. 

 

 

Waste Centralization and Standardization

In the winter of 2023, Lakehead Thunder Bay transitioned to a centralized and increasingly standardized waste and recycling program. By eliminating office and classroom garbage bins, Lakehead will save over 25,000 single-use plastic garbage bags while promoting increased recycling at its centralized sorters. Each sorting station contains not only trash receptacles, but receptacles for paper and container recycling along with educational signage that directs users to the correct receptacle for their item(s).

Consistent bin placement, type, and signage all promote a greater awareness of how to engage with our recycling programs maximally.

 

Bottled Water Policy in Orillia

Our Orillia campus is proud to be plastic water bottle free! The Bottled Water Policy in Orillia prevents the sale of single-use bottled water. The program reduces plastic waste, treats water as a right instead of a commodity, and saves money.

 

Reusable Containers and Dining Ware in our Dining Facilities

Lakehead has long implemented reusable mug incentives on our campuses, often providing a discount to those who supply their own cup. In addition, trayless dining and reusable dining ware in our cafeterias eliminate unnecessary waste from single-use plastic containers. 

 

Recycling Initiatives for Difficult-to-Dispose of Items

The Office of Sustainability works with both campus (Physical Plant, Residence & Housing, student groups, and Student Health & Wellness,) and community partners to offer regular recycling opportunities for Difficult-to-Dispose of items such as e-waste, cigarette butts, office supplies, and gently used clothing and household items.