Get to know F&S: Reno Strano

Over the last two decades, Reno Strano has grown as a U of T Facilities & Services employee.

In 2003, Strano became the waste management and recycling supervisor. Prior to that, he was a Campus Moving lead hand after having served for nine years in various service roles. In July, Strano will begin a new role with F&S as assistant manager of Campus Services where he will oversee the Campus Mail and Campus Moving teams.

A typical workday for Strano and his team involves looking after non-hazardous waste and recycling on campus. From bottles and cans to paper and food waste, they see it all. With more than 60,000 students studying downtown, a lot of waste accumulates in a typical year on campus. This is where Strano and his team come in.  

“My crew gets their assignments in the morning, goes to each building on campus, and collects materials that have been consolidated by members of the Caretaking team,” said Strano.  

Not only is Strano environmentally conscious, but he also holds a soft spot for what he does. His passion began at home where he would diligently organize and take out his household blue bin—a personal step that led him to where he is now. When he worked with campus movers in a previous role, he expressed true enjoyment in clearing out labs and keeping facilities clean for others to use. Strano’s spirit and enthusiasm gave way to achieving great heights with his current team. 

When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Strano noted the great opportunities he’s had with F&S. U of T has achieved and maintained a waste diversion rate of more than 60% for the last 15 years, one of the highest of any post-secondary institution in North America. This is something that Strano is notably proud of. 

“The work this team does keeps us at the forefront of recycling programs in the country,” said Strano.  

He continues to advocate for constantly improving the University’s waste management and recycling practices. He was instrumental in implementing new recycling initiatives on campus, such as the laboratory non-hazardous glass and plastic recycling program. In partnership with the Sustainability Office, Strano believes that F&S can make a lasting difference through consistent collaboration with staff, students, and faculty—the whole U of T community.