Waste Minimisation
- Office Recycling Program
- Key dates for Office Recycling rollout 2013
- Public Place Recycling Program
- Recycling program for batteries, fluorescent and mixed globes update
The waste minimisation program aims to continuously improve the Deakin’s resource recovery in line the Waste Management Hierarchy (figure 1) legislated under the Environment Protection Act, 1970.
The most preferred option for managing waste is to avoid it in the first place and the least preferred option is to dispose of waste to landfill
Figure 1: Waste Management Hierarchy
Targets
- reduce the weight of waste going to landfill by 25% by 2012 (compared with the 2009 base level)
- increase recyclables diverted from landfill by 25% by 2012 (compared with the 2009 base level)
NOTE: These targets are currently under review
Key activities undertaken
- To achieve a reduction in waste to landfill and increase resource recovery of valuable materials some key actions have been taken including:
- Implementing new office recycling program
- Commencing public place recycling near food outlets
- Annual waste audits
- Review of current waste and recycling service contracts to align with the waste management hierarchy
- Provide consistent signage, education and promotion of recycling systems
2013 Key actions
- Fast track roll out of office recycling program for Geelong Waurn Ponds and Melbourne Burwood Campuses
- Implement waste audits
- Establish permanent fluorescent tube, mixed globes and battery recycling services
- Continue to with cafes across campus to improve recycling practices (re-usable coffee cups)
Office Recycling Program
Office recycling helps the University meet its Environmental Sustainability targets and contributes to the state of Victoria’s Towards Zero Waste Strategy targets.
Deakin University targets are currently under review
Victoria’s Towards Zero Waste Strategy target:
Increase the recovery of commercial and industrial materials to 80% from 2005 levels by 2014.
Find out more about the Towards Zero Waste Strategy
How was the structure of the new office recycling program developed?
Deakin University’s new office recycling system has been designed in accordance with Standards Australia 4123.7:2006 for mobile garbage bins and away from home signage guidelines.
The new system encourages avoiding and reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfill and aligned to the legislated Waste Management Hierarchy.
What happens when the new system is rolled out at my campus?
During the roll out:
- The Office for Sustainability will implement a comprehensive communication plan. Posters, leaflets, information sessions, email alerts, newsletter articles, portal notices, network articles and web updates will be used to provide you with information and instructions.
- All existing individual desk side waste bins will be removed permanently.
- A new red mini waste bin and a blue paper recycling tray will be placed at your desk.
- New mixed (commingle) recycling bins and waste bins will be placed in all kitchen/staff rooms and in designated central locations.
After the rollout:
- You will be responsible for emptying your own red mini waste bin
- You will be responsible for taking your collected recyclables to central locations
- You will continue to take your unwanted clean office paper to the large blue paper recycling bins located in or near print rooms.
- Cleaners will not empty your new individual office bins, you are responsible for your own waste.
- Cleaners will empty new bins in designated central locations and kitchens and staff.
- Cleaners will empty new bins in designated central locations and kitchens and staff.
- Cleaners will continue to empty large blue paper recycling bins in or near print rooms.
Have more questions - please download the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers sheet (449 KB)
What can be recycled?
It can be confusing to know what can be recycled especially when it comes to plastics. Plastics that are coded 1 to 7 can be placed in the commingled (mixed) recycle bins.
You can identify the code by checking for a number inside a triangle usually on the bottom of the plastic item.
Key dates for Office Recycling rollout 2013
- 22 – 24 March Rollout waste and recycling service Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
- 26 – 28 April Rollout waste and recycling service Melbourne Burwood Campus
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus information session dates and times:
| Date | Time | Location |
| Thursday 7 March | 12:00pm-12:45pm | G- ka5.321 |
| Friday 8 March | 12:00pm-12:45pm | G- ka5.321 |
| Wednesday 13 March | 13:00pm-13:45pm | LT1 - Peter Thwaites |
Melbourne Burwood Campus information session dates and times:
| Date | Time | Location |
| Monday 15 April | 12:00pm-12:45pm | B- HD2.006 |
| Tuesday 16 April | 12:00pm-12:45pm | B- HD2.005 (LT13) |
| Wednesday 17 April | 12:00pm-12:45pm | B- HD2.006 |
Public Place Recycling Program
Installation and improvement of Public Place Recycling (PPR) bins and signage across all Campuses has been designed to minimise waste by increasing recycling in high-use outdoor public areas such as food outlets. For more information down load the PPR fact sheet.
(878 KB)
Photo: New Public Place Recycling bin design, 2012
Recycling program for batteries, fluorescent and mixed globes update
After a successful trial that resulted in diversion of 3000 florescent tubes and mixed globes and over 2500 batteries from landfill in just three months, Deakin University will continue to provide the program permanently from 2013.
Why recycle globes and batteries?
Most globes and batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, zinc and nickel. Throwing unwanted globes and batteries into landfill can contaminate underground water supply, a risk to both the environment and human health.
Photo: Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
To find out what is accepted in the program and how to participate click here.
