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Abstract

This report examines the behavioral and structural factors contributing to improper waste sorting at student-led events organized by Alma Mater Society (AMS) clubs at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Despite existing infrastructure and waste guidelines, a persistent gap remains between club executives’ intentions and actual waste management practices. This misalignment results in significant landfill-bound waste and undermines UBC’s broader environmental goals. The report used mixed research methods including secondary analysis of the 2024 AMS Waste Audit, passive observations at four events, a Qualtrics survey of club executives, and two in-person focus groups. This study revealed a clear disconnect between clubs’ sustainability values and their event practices. Data indicates that while executives express strong support for waste reduction, only 57% of waste is correctly sorted, with nearly one-third still ending up in landfill. While over 97% of club executives report confidence in identifying the correct waste bins, observational data conducted over the semester revealed a major gap between this confidence and actual sorting behavior. Observations highlighted the absence of labeled or accessible bins, minimal guidance, and no incentives or assistance provided to attendees. Attendee behaviour further emphasized these gaps, with participants who often failed to read bin labels or consider where their waste should go prior to disposal. Key barriers include inconsistent signage, inadequate training, inadequate infrastructure at event sites, and confusion over food packaging. While AMS club executives express high motivation and sustainability values, their actions are often constrained by unclear guidance logistical challenges, as a result of undersupport by the AMS. Focus group data indicated a need for comprehensive training, consistent packaging, and more explicit AMS support. Indeed, survey data confirmed a perceived lack of institutional assistance. Interestingly, though, data also revealed a limited willingness to engage with educational resources if offered by the AMS, suggesting there may be greater consumer behaviour barriers beyond inaccessible resources. This disconnect between knowledge, intention, and action shows a need for better support, clearer guidelines, and more accountability. To bridge these gaps, the report presents a set of immediate and long-term recommendations for the AMS association, SEEDS, UBC Sustainability, and club executives. Short term actions for AMS include ensuring all event spaces have accessible waste infrastructure, updating signage, and providing standardized compostable packaging. Club executives are encouraged to assign a dedicated “waste executive” for each event and incorporate waste planning into logistics. Long-term strategies involve mandatory executive training, random waste audits with accountability measures, and developing an AI-based waste sorting guide tailored to specific event waste streams. Future research is also encouraged to evaluate long-term behavior change, infrastructure impacts, and more targeted interventions based on club types. Ultimately, this project provides a data-driven and community based evaluation for improving waste management at UBC club events and supporting a more sustainable future at UBC. Through coordinated action, better support systems, and stronger accountability, UBC can move closer to its 2030 Zero Waste goals and foster a culture of sustainability among future leaders. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”