Waste & Recycling

• You can drop off undamaged single-use or rechargeable batteries of up to D size, old mobile phones and accessories, such as chargers, at the special recycling boxes located around campus including Library Level 2 (near main entrance), Arc Reception or the specific office recycling stations on campus.
• You can also securely pack small quantities (up to 5 kg) of collected batteries or mobile phones in small  packages and send these items via internal mail to: HR Reception, Room 119, Level 1, Chancellery Building.
• For larger quantities, raise an Archibus request here. 
• For damaged or leaching batteries, or larger and any other types of batteries request free of charge collection as chemical waste by completing online chemical disposal form here.   

For further information contact EM General services via email emgeneralservices@unsw.edu.au . 

Empty toner cartridges can be recycled by placing them in Close the Loop Toner Cartridges Recycling boxes across the campus.

You can register for your own collection box by visiting  Close the Loop. When full, call 1800242473 or book a pick up online. It’s free and easy!

You can recycle any light bulbs and tubes by placing them in the collection box. For any further details contact Estate Management General Services. 

UNSW is taking part in the Return & Earn scheme. You can recycle all your empty glass and plastic bottles and aluminium on campus at the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) installed near Old Main Building entrance, next to Physics Lawn. 

You can earn 10 cents for every eligible container. Locate the RVM on our Sustainability Map here. 

At UNSW, we have an extensive paper recycling program in place. Use the blue bins in your building, office space and near your classroom areas.

For further information on paper recycling or to request a new bin contact Estate Management General Services.

UNSW has established allocated collection points for polystyrene disposal across campus. You can take any collected polystyrene to the location close to you.

IT e-waste: UNSW IT and EM General Services has established a free of charge collection and recycling service for IT based e-waste items including laptops, desktops, computer accessories, monitors, monitor stands, server racks, printers, and other relevant equipment. Please book an Archibus request here for e-waste disposal as non-billable and the items will be collected from your nominated location.

White goods and non IT e-waste: Contact EM General Services at emgeneralservices@unsw.edu.au . 

The Furniture Reuse Program is a sustainable way to manage used furniture at UNSW by minimising waste, improving resource efficiency and managing waste responsibly. The program enables all UNSW faculties, departments and organisations to reuse valuable furniture across our campuses through an OpenCart system, with an intuitive interface, smart stock management and delivery tracking. Find out how it works here. 

The eReuse Centre helps to reduce e-waste in the environment by accepting your computers to refurbish them for reuse. After salvaging your old tech, we then donate them to socio-economically disadvantaged groups in the community. 

The eReuse Centre is run by Arc - UNSW Student Life. Find out more here. 

The Stationery Reuse Centre is UNSW’s one stop (free) shop for once-loved and re-purposed pens, highlighters, rulers, and everything else that you forget to shove in your pencil case! 

The Stationary Reuse Centre is run by Arc - UNSW Student Life. Volunteers keep fellow students well stocked on all their stationery needs and work towards a more sustainable campus! Find out more here.