Recycling made easy at UQ

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Tags: sustainability, winter-2011

UQ launched its public place recycling program during O-Week in February

The 2011 academic year started on a green note at The University of Queensland.

A “zorb ball” filled with hundreds of plastic bottles was a hit with students during O-Week celebrations in February, and helped mark the arrival of new public place recycling bins situated throughout the University.

The initiative coincided with the national “Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin” awareness campaign, UQ Environmental Officer Leigh Burgess said.

“Improving the recovery of recyclable materials and reducing waste to landfill has major benefits for the environment, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving valuable landfill space,” Ms Burgess said.

The initiative is a partnership between UQ and the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Packaging Stewardship Forum and aims to ensure that at least 50 percent of UQ’s public area general waste is recycled.

The UQ Public Place Recycling Program was officially launched on March 4.

UQ is a signatory to two international declarations under which it has committed to reduce the University’s environmental footprint.

The focus on sustainability can be seen in both the University’s own operational practices, and in a continued emphasis in these fields in teaching and research activities. More information is available on the UQ Sustainability website.

By Caroline Bird

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