What is the Mini-Max Program?
This program helps Bellevue College sort trash properly. Most of what we throw away on campus doesn’t actually belong in the landfill!
The Mini-Max program streamlines and standardizes waste management on campus, which reduces landfill waste, makes sorting easier for staff and faculty, and gives our custodians more time for tasks that keep our campus clean.
This program is running in the President’s office, and K building, and Student Success Center. We will be expanding areas in the near future.
Submit feedback on the program here: https://bellevuecollege.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BF2SHdrqzYQmIB
Office Spaces & Cubicles
You have been provided with a 7 gallon blue recycling bin, with a 0.75 gallon green organics compost bin, and a 0.75 gallon black landfill waste bin. The two smaller bins hang on the side of the larger bin, either on the outside or on the inside, depending on your preference.
Centralized Tri-Stream Locations
In addition to the deskside bins, there will be centralized tri-stream waste receptacles in your area, either in the kitchenette or in a central office location.
How Do I Use the MiniMax Deskside Bins?
These three bins make it easy for you to sort your waste! Please take your deskside bins to the central location, where you will be responsible for emptying your own bins. Being responsible means keeping your bins clean and empty daily, especially for compost. Leaving compost in your deskside bin for multiple days can result in smell and pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the BC use MiniMax?
This program helps Bellevue College:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Increase awareness & responsibility for proper waste sorting
- Create more time for essential custodial tasks
- Support the Bellevue College Climate Action Plan and The Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment
What is the evidence that proves this program works?
Deskside waste bin programs have been successfully implemented at many public and private sector organizations. For example:
- Recycling at Work study commissioned by Keep America Beautiful in 2014 found a 20 percent increase in office recycling.
- A case study from 2002 focusing on two of the first institutions to implement “mini-bin” programs: the Ontario provincial government and the San Jose city government.
- Dartmouth College, which increased its recycling rate by 33% and reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills by 200 tons within one year.
- Sonoma State University, which increased its recycling rate by 55% within one year.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, which increased its recycling rate by 20% and saved $13,000 annually on garbage bag liners.
- University of Minnesota Duluth decreased the amount of recyclables in its garbage by 14% and reduced the total amount of waste sent to the landfill by almost 20%.
Sources: Keep America Beautiful, Tufts University, https://facilities.uw.edu/catalog/minimax
How do we know the program is working?
Help us understand the effectiveness of this program by completing our survey.
Does this program affect all buildings at Bellevue College?
This program is running in the President’s office, and K building, and Student Success Center. We will be expanding areas in the near future.
How do custodial staff redirect the time that used to be spent emptying desk-side bins?
Custodial staff will be able to focus on cleaning our beautiful campus, and dedicating more time to high traffic areas and areas that serve our students, such as classrooms.
Why is the black Mini-Max garbage bin so small?
The small “waste only” bin is typically enough in an office setting, because most office waste is recyclable or compostable. Some items DO belong in the landfill, such as chip bags, snack wrappers, or very dirty recyclables! If you’re not sure where to put an item, please refer to the disposal guide.
What do I put in the green organics Mini-Max bin?
This is for your compostable materials! All food waste and waste from compostable serviceware on campus can go in here. Please refer to the disposal guide! Remember to empty your organics bin on a daily basis so that you do not have scent or pest issues.
Why are desk-side Mini-Max bins unlined?
By emptying your liner-free bins frequently, you reduce the amount of plastic bag waste in the waste stream and save on the expense of buying unnecessary plastic bin liners.
Where do I empty my desk-side Mini-Max bins?
Look for the centralized tri-stream waste bins. Anywhere where there are grouped compost, recycling, and landfill bins are appropriate locations to empty your Mini-Max.
When am I going to find time to empty my desk-side bins?
Many people are surprised how infrequently they need to empty their bins. Do so whenever you need a break from the computer in accordance with suggested ergonomics guidelines.
What happened to the old garbage can or recycling box under my desk?
For time being, we will keep everything in surplus.
How do I get replacement or additional Mini-Max bins?
Please contact sustainability@bellevuecollege.edu if your Mini-Max bin needs replacement or if you need another. For time being, no additional bins will be provided unless there is a new employee.
What if I have more questions about the Mini-Max program or want to provide feedback?
Please contact us, we would love your feedback! Email us at sustainability@bellevuecollege.edu.
As well, we have a survey for your feedback here: https://bellevuecollege.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BF2SHdrqzYQmIB
Last Updated March 16, 2021