York University is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation in teaching and learning - one cup at a time.
The Department of Economics, in collaboration with Innovate Landfill Solutions (ILS), a local non-profit organization, and Rethinking Economics York University (REYU), a student club dedicated to interdisciplinary economics and ecological issues, has laid the groundwork for future improvements in campus sustainability through the York University Re-Cup 2024 initiative.
The pilot project, which ran over two weeks in November 2024, engaged the Keele Campus community in an innovative solution to address the challenges of single-use cup recycling. The initiative is set to run a second time from May 5 to June 30.
With the support of York's Office of Sustainability and Facilities Services, the program's launch last fall placed cup-sorting stations - designed by ILS to optimize the disposal and recycling of single-use paper cups - in five separate locations on campus. A mobile app, also developed by ILS, was used to incentivize participation by entering those that scanned their cups into a raffle for prizes.
The spring program will take place in Central Square, York Lanes, Vari Hall, the Victor Dahdaleh Build and the Ross Library.
The initiative focuses on reducing contamination in recycling by separating liquids, lids and cups at dedicated stations. Combined with educational activities, the project helps participants understand the critical role of waste sorting in achieving cleaner recycling streams.
The goal was to increase awareness about the challenges of single-use paper cups, and through this initiative, the Re-Cup program diverted approximately 500 cups from landfills, demonstrating how small, intentional actions can lead to significant environmental gains.
"It was a great opportunity to get students aware of the problem of single-use paper cups," says Ethan Tucker, co-president of REYU. "In talking to students, we found a lot of confusion about whether cups could be recycled or not on campus. Many thought they just could be and didn't know that York isn't in a region with the capacity to recycle them."
Through Re-Cup, the team was able to engage hundreds of participants, not only to dispose of their cups responsibly but to also think more critically about waste management. The project also confirmed a critical need for increased awareness about waste management on campus.
"Re-Cup 2024 was a great way to engage our community while demonstrating how small changes in behavior can make a big difference," says Tucker, who is eager to see the second iteration roll out at the Keele Campus.
Data gathered from the app provided actionable insights for enhancing usability and engagement. The November 2024 trial was invaluable in optimizing the station design and refining the user experience, say Yoojung Jhon and Inhyuck Kim of ILS.
Members of the Re-Cup initiative
Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of accessible recycling infrastructure and clear guidance on waste sorting - observations that will help shape future initiatives.
Looking ahead, the spring program offers additional locations and larger incentives for participation.
In addition to the environmental impact of the program, Professors Berta Esteve-Volart, Tsvetanka Karagyozova and Neil Buckley from the Department of Economics, will use the initiative as a foundation for research in behavioral economics, exploring how student engagement can drive more effective recycling habits.
"Our goal is to explore how student engagement can improve effective recycling, among other questions, building on behavioural economics," says Esteve-Volart.
With its promising start, the Re-Cup initiative signals a shift toward greater environmental responsibility at York University, building momentum for lasting change by combining innovation, education and community action.
For more information, visit the Re-Cup website.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
