Promoting Recycling

In order to reduce the amount of materials entering the waste stream Banff Centre considers the environmental impact of the products purchased, comes up with alternate uses for products when they are becoming worn-out, and has developed an extensive recycling program.

The Recycling Depot

A comprehensive recycling program has been put in place at the Centre:

• An on-site collection depot is located on campus for use by the Centre and the community.
• The depot accepts paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.
• An Organics bin is located in the back of the kitchen, for use by the Centre's kitchens, food outlets and departments.
• Batteries, fluorescents light bulbs are collected by our Physical Facilities departments for proper disposal.
• Recycling bins are located throughout campus, outdoors and indoors, including all offices and meeting rooms, hallway, food outlets.

Housekeeping 

• The Centre’s Housekeeping and Custodial departments have established a comprehensive recycling system that allows them to maintain over 400 guest rooms with minimal waste.
• When sheets, towels, and other linens are worn-out they are put to use as rags within Housekeeping or in the Centre’s paint and print shops.
• Bottles from all soaps, lotions, and bath products are sent back to the original supplier. Housekeeping receives a rebate and the returned bottles are recycled.
• All paper, newspaper, magazines, and packaging from guest rooms is separated and recycled at the Centre’s recycling depot.
• Housekeeping staff are trained to check the grades of plastic waste and separate materials for recycling.

Grounds Maintenance 

• All gravel and sand used for winter ice control is recycled.
• Recycled asphalt has been used on temporary paths around campus and recycled tires have been used for roof walkways on the Eric Harvie Theatre and Margaret Greenham Theatre.
• The Grounds department introduced wooden deer as trail closure signage on any Centre pathways that are not maintained during the winter. The deer were made from trees felled during the Wildfire Fuel Reduction Program.

Furnishing and Fixtures

Furnishing, fixtures and office equipment that are no longer needed are redistributed across campus or donated to staff or charities, allowing for the diversion of 100's of items from the landfill over the years.

Receiving Docks 

All packaging is separated, re-used or recycled.