Our Commitment

As a responsible community citizen, the University supports recycling and waste reduction across all of its campuses. Our aim is to have recycling rates at the same, or better, levels as the community.

Recycling

To support this commitment to recycling, in 2009, the University undertook a project to improve its recycling rates. The project had the following specific objectives:

• Improve recycling on main campus to 44% by the end of April 2010, consistent with currently available State waste data.
• Implement a range of strategies to support recycling across UOW campuses such as outdoor recycling, electronic waste and implementing programs in specific business units such as Information Technology Services, Accommodation Services, the Library and the Printery.
• Undertake a waste audit across the Wollongong Campus to identify target areas for recycling.
• Implement a range of communication and education strategies to support recycling at the University. Strategies will also include the UniCentre, ITC and URAC to provide them with a link to the University’s overall recycling initiatives.
• Participate in wider community initiatives that support recycling.
• Undertake a review of purchasing policies and make recommendations that support more sustainable purchasing.
• Where possible, promote waste reduction strategies such as reduced printing and avoiding single use items where possible (e.g. disposable cups and bottles).

Other Waste

Mixed waste (garbage) is collected via receptacles positioned across campus each morning. As this waste is sent to landfill it is much better for the environment to recycle where possible so please refrain from disposing any recyclable matter in the mixed waste bins.

Hazardous waste requires specialised handling and disposal given the safety issues surrounding this material. The University has specific safety procedures for the disposal of hazardous waste. For more information please see:  http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/workingsafely/hazardouswaste/index.html