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Waste Resource Management - Environmental

Are you passionate about the environment, with a strong belief in sustainable practices? In this unique, post-graduate program you will learn to develop and implement innovative waste management plans and strategies based on new and emerging technologies and concepts.

Program Information

Start Date

September 03, 2024

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

SWM

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Phil Jensen

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3577.34 per semester*

International Tuition

$10538.61 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

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Canadian Students

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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 Waste Resource Management - Environmental 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.

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.

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

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.

  • Quantify waste in order to comply with legislative requirements for waste management services, systems, and facilities.
  • Plan and implement waste management projects, following legislative requirements, standard procedures, and environmental best practices.
  • Investigate circular economy opportunities for consumable packaging to recommend options that assist businesses, industry and government to meet or exceed legislation including waste minimization, product reuse, and enhanced recycling.
  • Collect data and apply appropriate statistical tools and methodologies to effectively interpret and process information.
  • Produce and present research findings and reports related to waste management issues, challenges, and environmental concerns to a variety of stakeholders.
  • Educate and inform a variety of audiences in areas of waste diversion and waste management using appropriate educational strategies and techniques.
  • Collect, classify and preserve field samples, using appropriate gas, water and soil quality testing equipment for the purpose of determining environmental impacts to land, air and water.

Students applying to Waste Resource Management - Environmental must meet the following requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree or Ontario College Diploma or equivalent

Program Code: ETD

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

September 2024

Program Code: ETN

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024, January 2025

Program Code: HSE

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Frost Campus

September 2024

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