Fleming College

Program Highlights

Waste is one of the leading problems of our time – increasing waste volumes, increasing severity of impact and costs of waste management and the challenge of managing waste in developing countries and emerging markets are causing a dramatic shift in waste management practices within Ontario and world-wide. Countries around the globe are moving towards a circular economy and waste has to be dealt with in new, innovative ways rather than simply sending it to landfill. The new Waste-Free Ontario Act makes producers responsible for their waste management. Failure to take action in managing waste has economic, environmental, social as well as health and safety implications, including toxic discharge leading to pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions, increased frequency of illnesses, and the loss of valuable resources.

The Sustainable Waste Management program is being offered exclusively at the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences - it is the only college program in Ontario that is focused on building advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable waste management.

• The training will lead graduates to meaningful careers. You will be well-versed in the relevant legislation and existing as well as emerging technologies, with the skills to effect changes in how business and industry manage their waste and how to move them beyond the three R’s of waste management.
• The program focusses on solid waste management, but does include courses that address hazardous waste management.

Work Experience

Course work includes projects with community and industry partners. A five-week field placement will enable you to network with those already in the industry and explore your interests within the field.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities are growing, in public and private organizations, especially in industries where waste management impacts the bottom line, and contributes to environmental responsibility and stewardship. Opportunities exist provincially, nationally and internationally. The 2013 ECO Canada Profile of Canadian Employment labour market research study indicates that 25.1% of environmental employees - the highest proportion - were working in the Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services sector. Indications are that graduates with this skill set will be in high demand.

Regarding salary information, ECO Canada Career Profiles states: “A waste management specialist in an entry level position makes an average of $55,000 per year in Canada. With several years of education and experience, waste management specialists can make between $78,000 and $88,000 per year.”

Typical job titles include:

• Waste Diversion Specialist
• Waste Diversion and Recovery Specialist
• Waste Management Coordinator/Specialist/Technician
• Recycling Program Coordinator
• Industrial Waste Reduction Coordinator
• Waste Reduction Education Program Officer
• Sustainability Manager

Program outcomes and typical job duties include:

• Identify, quantify, verify and coordinate waste to comply with legislative requirements for waste management services, systems and facilities
• Plan, design, implement and advance waste management projects following legislative requirements, standard procedures and best practices
• Utilize the principles of the circular economy, investigate the life cycle of consumable products and packaging to minimize waste, and encourage product reuse and recycling
• Research, produce and present reports to engage stakeholders in discussions to address waste management
• Choose financial methods and procedures to substantiate costs and solicit support for environmental compliance and waste management initiatives
• Educate and inform target groups and audiences in waste diversion and management using appropriate strategies and techniques
• Collect, classify and preserve field samples using air, water and soil quality testing equipment

Indigenous Perspectives Designation

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Community and Justice Services program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.

Tuition and Fees Detail

Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.