Waste Management and Minimisation

All staff and students can make a difference by sorting their waste correctly to minimise the contamination of our waste streams.

Recycling is a waste stream that is often highly contaminated. If recycling is contaminated, it could go to landfill at a high cost to UC and the environment. Examples of items that must be put in the red landfill bins include;

Lids from plastic, glass or milk bottles
Yoghurt pottles
Sandwich packs
Sushi containers
Soft plastic packaging, like chip bags and muesli wrappers

Recycling at UC

Recycling helps to reuse materials and divert items from landfill. However, it's not a perfect solution! Find out more about recycling at UC here.

Composting and organics

Composting rocks! Composting is the process of returning materials to the earth. Learn about how you can do your bit to improve soil health by composting on campus here.

What goes in what bin?

It's important you put your stuff in the right bin. When the wrong items get mixed in together, there's a chance the entire bin might be sent to landfill. Do your bit by sorting your waste, in the first place!

Free Tables

Free Tables help keep things out of landfill, and give items a new life. Learn more and find free stuff here!

Hints for reducing your waste footprint

As is the case with most things in life – prevention is the best method. Through small changes, you can make a big impact to your personal waste footprint.

Using your personal desk-top containers

Learn how UC Staff can use their personal desk-top containers to divert waste to landfill.

Get involved

Attend campus waste minimisation workshops and events or volunteer to support the Sustainability Office reduce waste on campus. Learn how to get involved with us here.

For more information on our waste system

See the latest 2021 UC Waste Audit
Download a copy of our most recent waste poster: UC's Waste Hierarchy
See UC Waste Plan 2019-2024 (PDF)
See Draft University of Canterbury Waste Plan 2014-2022 (PDF)

For any queries about these changes, please contact Sustainability Office.