Waste streams and processing destinations
Outdoor bins
Our new outdoor 3 bin system allows UNSW to recycle our waste more efficiently from the beginning, separating compostable products and drink bottles and cans from general waste. When you're disposing of waste on campus, remember to get it in the right bin and recycle better!
Burgundy bin - Food & compostable packaging
This recycling stream includes all unwanted takeaway food and approved compostable food packaging purchased on campus including cutlery, drink and food containers, coffee cups and lids. This waste is then sent to a composting facility where it is turned into organic compost. If you are not sure if your packaging is compostable or not, put it in the red bin to help avoid contamination.
White bin - Drink bottles & cans
Single-use glass and plastic drink bottles, cans and juice poppers (also known as Return and Earn containers) can be deposited into these bins. These single use drink containers will be processed and recycled at an NSW EPA-licensed facility.
If you are not sure if your drink container is a CDS Return and Earn container, put it in the red bin to help avoid contamination.
Red bin - General waste
All other general waste including contaminated paper, plastics, non-compostable food packaging should be deposited into the red bins. General waste is sent to a material recovery facility (MRF) in Fairfield East for processing, where it is mechanically sorted into streams that can be recycled, used as fuel for incineration with energy recovery, and a small residual component which goes to landfill. Here is a video about how its done.
Indoor bins
Blue bin - Paper and cardboard
Paper and cardboard is collected in the blue bins in office spaces and classroom areas. Paper and cardboard collected through this extensive program goes to a paper mill in Botany for recycling.
Yellow bin - Mixed recycling
Mixed recyclable items including Return and Earn containers, other plastic and metal containers are deposited into the yellow bins. These materials are sent to a facility for processing and recycling.
Burgundy bin - Food & compostable packaging
This recycling stream includes all unwanted takeaway food and approved compostable food packaging purchased on campus including cutlery, drink and food containers, coffee cups and lids. This waste is then sent to a composting facility where it is turned into organic compost. If you are not sure if your packaging is compostable or not, put it in the red bin to help avoid contamination.
Red bin - General waste
All other general waste including contaminated paper, plastics, non-compostable food packaging should be deposited into the red bins. General waste is sent to a material recovery facility (MRF) in Fairfield East for processing, where it is mechanically sorted into streams that can be recycled, used as fuel for incineration with energy recovery, and a small residual component which goes to landfill.