Less Waste Mini Bin Recycling

What is it?
Less waste is a new system that ECU is adopting to help reduce the University’s waste to landfill and increase the amount of material that is recycled. It is about taking responsibility for the waste that we produce and making a conscious effort to produce less. The visual effect of the Mini Bins supports the ethos, "less is better". Many other institutions are adopting this system and it has been found to reduce waste to landfill by up to 70%!

Importantly, it is a new and creative way to help our environment, and takes little extra effort from staff.

• Use the Mini Bin to collect your GENERAL WASTE at your desk.
  
• Use the paper recycling box to collect your PAPER FOR RECYCLING. These should be emptied into the PAPER RECYCLING wheelie bins located around your office.
  
• COMMINGLED (cans, bottles, cartons, paper cups) recycling bins are located in your nearest staff room or kitchenette.

How does it work?
The system involves substituting the normal general waste bin under your desk with a small desk-top Mini Bin, and the provision of a paper recycling box for under your desk. The cleaning staff empty your Mini Bin and you are responsible for emptying your own paper recycling boxes as per usual.

Why does it work?
The Mini Bin system works because it teaches us to reduce the amount of waste that we produce, not just recycle. The Mini Bin gives the message that ‘less is better’. It also aids in the collection of recyclable materials as there is less impulse to simply throw recyclable material into the general waste bin.

What can be recycled?
Paper- You can recycle all types of paper in your paper recycling box. This includes coloured, newsprint, glossy brochures and magazines. Note: Staples and paper clips can be thrown in if in small quantities.

Commingled (bottles, cartons, cans) - this includes glass, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, food tins, paper takeaway cups and milk or juice cartons. Just make sure that these items are empty before you recycle them.

What can’t be recycled?
General waste- this includes predominantly food waste and tissues, paper towels etc. You can place these items into your Mini Bin or directly into the general waste containers in common areas.

NB: Please do not place these items into the recycling bins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can the Mini Bin hold all my office waste? It's so small.
You can now recycle almost everything that comes across your desk. The amount of 'landfill' garbage left is very little, so the Mini Bin will be big enough to hold those few things that you can’t recycle.

I handle large amounts of specific types of non-recyclable waste - where will this go?
In this situation, get in touch with us. Most plastics and packaging can be recycled, even if through a different system than we currently have. Special bins can be ordered if there is enough plastic or packaging waste to collect.

Why do we need this new program? I thought we are already recycling.
Annual waste auditing shows that a large amount of recyclable material still goes into the general waste bins. By replacing general waste bins with Mini Bins, we reduce the possibility of not recycling.

How do I know what can and can’t be recycled?
There is an updated list of recyclable materials available at www.ecu.edu.au/fas/ecoecu/recycling. If you have any further questions on this, please contact us.

My desk is too small and cluttered. I don't have any room left for a Mini Bin.
If someone gave you a box of chocolates to sit on your desk, you'd find space for it wouldn't you?

For any other queries on recycling-related matters, please contact us.