| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
A new recycling scheme is being introduced to the University of Canterbury campus.
By the end of the first semester all 4500 rubbish bins on campus — indoor and outdoor — will have been replaced with central collections for food and other compostable waste; recyclable glass, plastics and cans; paper and cardboard; and residual rubbish.
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| UC student Erin Martin tries out the University's new recycling system. |
As well as toner cartridges, other items such as batteries will also be collected from departments for recycling.
UC Sustainability Advocate Dr Kate Hewson will be contacting colleges and service units this semester to explain how the scheme works and identify bin locations. She will also be happy to discuss any special needs.
She believes a comprehensive recycling system is a “prerequisite for engaging with people about resource-use reduction and sustainability”. She says feedback from staff and students has been positive.
“I’ve had lots of ‘congratulations’ and ‘about time’ comments from people, as well as queries and suggestions on other things the University might do next.
“I’m working with campus cafes and their suppliers on compostable takeaway packaging, but until further notice, all takeaway coffee cups need to go in the rubbish bins, not the food bins. Likewise, paper cafe bags are fine in the food bins, but plastic and foil packaging like chip packets and muesli bar wrappers aren’t. As a basic rule: if it’s used for food and comes only from a plant or animal, it goes in the food bin.”
The new system has been piloted for the past two years in the Geography, Facilities Management, Okeover, and Wheki buildings. Landfill deposits from these buildings have been reduced by as much as 70 per cent during the trial.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Sharp says the new system will be cost-neutral and will help future-proof the University from tightening waste regulations and increasing landfill disposal charges.
“It will also meet staff and student demands for better recycling facilities and, I believe, demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said.
For further information please contact:
John MacDonald
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
Mobile: 021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz