Kick ya Bin

This program is part of the Wipe Out Waste pilot program, designed to reduce waste and increase recycling on campus. 

This means your under desk bin will be replaced with a cardboard recycling box for paper, envelopes, post-it notes and other paper and cardboard items.

A recycling station will be installed in a kitchen or corridor close to you for other recyclables. This station will also include a general waste bin for plastic wrap, chip packets and wrappers. This system encourages use of the recycling stations and helps to keep offices and desks free of messy food waste.

This recycling program is now becoming common place in new buildings and offices as everyone strives to recycle more and save resources for future generations.

Where does Ecoversity start? Here. With you.

A typical paper recycling box.

Staff included in the program received a flyer and a University KeepCup to minimise take-away coffee cup waste.

Case Studies from Zero Waste SA

Riverside Centre - Department for Families and Communities

In 2009, the Riverside Centre on North Terrace made a decision to strive towards zero waste by installing a new recycling system, including removing under desk bins. 700 staff soon began recycling waste with the new system that included recycling stations and a paper reduction program. The result has been a reduction in annual waste collection costs from $35,000 to $15,000 and a 76 tonne reduction in annual CO2 emissions. More here.

State Administration Building, 200 Victoria Square

DPC has strong sustainability focus and removed underdesk bins as part of a wider waste reduction strategy. Read more here.

FAQ

What can go in the paper recycling box under my desk?

• White and coloured office paper
• Envelopes (with or without windows) and post-it notes
• Folders (no plastic or metal)
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Brochures
• Junk Mail

What can’t go in the paper recycling box under my desk?

• Food waste
• Dirty tissues
• Drink cans and containers
• Ink cartridges

My paper recycling box is too heavy to carry to the large paper recycling bin?
Paper can become heavy, try emptying your bin more frequently to reduce the weight of it.

I’m very busy and don’t have time to go to the recycling station in the kitchen all the time what should I do?
Make a place for waste items on your desk and take them with you when you get up to speak to a colleague, leave for a meeting or take a tea break. This should not add time to your work day.

I don’t have time to empty my under desk recycling box into the large paper recycling bin, what should I do?
The paper recycling box should only need to be emptied once a month or less. This should only take a few minutes to do and could be done as part of a regular filing task. 

I have a cold, where should I put my dirty tissues?
Dirty tissues can pose a health risk for others. As suggested above, keep these in a pocket or secure place until your next meeting or tea break where they can be put in the red landfill bin. 

Surely it’s not my job to empty the paper recycling box under my desk?
Ahh well, yes it is. The University prides itself on sustainability initiatives and reducing the impact our operations have on the environment today and in the future. We know from our sustainability surveys that waste and recycling is very important to staff and students alike. Reducing our footprint is everyone’s job, otherwise very little would be achieved. 

I’m very busy and can’t work without a bin under my desk, what can I do?
If this change is too much, you can ask your School Manager to have your bin back however, it will be up to you to empty at the end of your work day into a red landfill bin. 

For more information please email Ecoversity here.