The Problem

"Let's go grab a coffee"

A harmless request with unfortunately harmful consequences for the environment. It's not the ritual of coffee drinking that's the problem (we would never challenge that!) ...it's the way in which we act out this ritual that is the real issue. Why? Because disposable coffee cups are not recyclable... and therefore lead to landfill.Disposable coffee cups are a problem at UOW, and they are everyone's problem. 

The Numbers

A waste audit conducted in May 2009 which examined UOW bins (excluding UniCentre bins) found that over 3000 disposable coffee cups were collected in less than 1 week. The disposable coffee cups were over 8% of waste by weight. If taken by volume this percentage is likely to be much higher. As it is volume that determines when a bin is emptied i.e. when it is full, the cups would therefore contribute more to the waste problem.

The Concerns -Disposable/Styrofoam  & Facts

Public opinion on campus regarding the environment has recently focussed on coffee cup usage. The following have been raised:

• Disposable Coffee Cups are NOT recyclable. Some lids (check for the triangle recycling symbol) are.
• Styrofoam cups are NOT recyclable. They are not accepted at the Wollongong Council recycling facilities.
• Biodegradable cups are NOT recyclable. They are compostable and only compost if they are put into a compost bins.

Can't I just recycle my disposable cup?

NO! Disposable paper cups are made from plastic.  The paper is coated in a polyethyene lining to make it waterproof and the plastic lid is made from polystyrene. 

Okay, quick take me to the Solution!