Recycling and waste
We can all make a difference by sorting waste into the correct bin.
We aim to maximise recycling and reuse on campus. Know what goes in each bin and always choose the right one to minimise landfill.
View more information on recycling and waste options (staff login required).
Recycling
What goes in yellow bins
- Plastic bottles and containers (e.g. yoghurt, takeaway containers)
- Aluminium cans
- Glass bottles and jars
- Milk and juice cartons
- Plastic coffee cup lids (cups go in general waste)
- Clean paper and cardboard (or use a cardboard bin if available)
What happens next
These are taken off site for segregation at a materials recycling facility. There, they are placed in a sorting line, and separated by type (plastic bottles, cardboard). Once enough of these items have been collected, they are sent to manufacturers for reprocessing.
General waste
What goes in red bins
- Styrofoam cups and containers
- Pens and pencils
- Tissues, napkins and paper towels (if no organics bin is available)
- Food waste (if no organics bin is available)
- Disposable utensils and straws
- Plastic bags, chip packets, cling wrap and wrappers
- Coffee and drink cups (lids go in recycling)
What happens next
Waste is compacted and then mostly sent to an engineered landfill, where methane from decomposition is used to generate power.
Organics
What goes in green bins
- Food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy)
- Coffee grounds and teabags
- Flowers and plants
- Tissues and paper towels
- Compostable packaging
- Contaminated paper (e.g. greasy paper bags, pizza boxes)
What happens next
Organic waste is processed into compost, mulch and soil conditioner at an organic resource recovery facility.
Paper waste
What goes in blue bins
- Clean or printed paper (staples are okay)
- White, coloured and glossy paper
- Magazines, newspapers and books
- Envelopes (including with plastic windows)
If paper recycling wheelie bins are not available, use the comingled recycling bins.
Do not include:
- contaminated or laminated paper
- plastic or metal bindings
- cardboard boxes (use cardboard bins).
What happens next
Paper waste is collected by our waste contractor and taken to a resource materials recycling facility, where it is screened, decontaminated, sorted and baled. The baled material is then sent to paper processors to be made into recycled paper and cardboard products.
Drink containers
What goes in grey bins
- Empty beverage containers (150mL to 3L), including:
- Plastic bottles
- Milk and juice cartons
- Glass bottles
- Aluminium cans
What happens next
The containers are collected by our waste contractor and sent to recycling companies.
Cardboard
How to dispose
Flatten and place it:
- at your building’s collection point
- in the cardboard skip bins located around campus.
If unavailable, use recycling bins.
What happens next
Cardboard waste is collected by our waste contractor and taken to a resource materials recycling facility, where it is screened, decontaminated, sorted and baled. The baled material is then sent to paper processors to be made into recycled paper and cardboard products.