Follow the updated bin labels across UNSW campuses to reduce recycling contamination and improve sustainability.
To make recycling easier and reduce contamination, UNSW has updated waste bins and signage in offices and outdoor areas.
Why the change?
In 2024, Estate Management updated UNSW’s Waste Management Plan to improve waste sorting, reduce contamination, increase landfill diversion and comply with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulations for food organics recycling.
Two key updates prompted these changes:
- NSW EPA food organics restrictions mean compostable packaging and paper towels are no longer allowed in food organics bins.
- Results from a 2024 waste audit by APC Waste Consultants showed high contamination rates in recycling bins, highlighting a need for clearer instructions to recover more resources and keep waste out of landfill.
What's changing?
In your office
- Updated bin labels: new signage on red, yellow and blue bins and green caddies makes it easier to sort waste correctly. If your office hasn’t received updated signage, contact sustainability@unsw.edu.au.
- Smaller food organics bins (UNSW Paddington and Kensington campuses): a compact 7-litre green food caddy replaces the larger 60-litre bin in offices. It collects food scraps, coffee grounds and unpackaged food leftovers. No packaging is allowed in this bin.
- Yellow bins: bottles, cans and tins made of plastic, glass or metal. No paper, cardboard, soft plastic or takeaway cups.
- Blue bins: clean paper and flattened cardboard boxes. No food packaging, plastic sleeves or staples.
- Red bins: all general waste including food packaging, takeaway cups (even compostable ones) and soft plastic. If you are unsure, place your waste in this bin to keep recycling clean.
Use the “Bin it right” poster to help your team get waste in the right bin.
In outdoor areas
Due to changes in food organics regulations, outdoor bins now follow a two-bin system:
- Drink containers (white) smart bins: For uncrushed plastic bottles, drink cans, glass bottles or juice boxes with barcodes.
- General waste (red) bins: For all other general waste, including compostable packaging. Waste is sorted off-site for maximum material recovery.
How you can help
Everyone at UNSW plays a crucial role in reducing waste. Help us get waste in the right bin by checking the new signs before disposing of your waste.
Want to know where your waste goes? Visit the What goes where: UNSW waste guide.
And remember, the best waste is no waste! Explore reuse and recycling programs to support your waste-free journey.
Need more guidance?
Share the Waste & recycling 101 slides with your team or ask sustainability@unsw.edu.au to run a 15-minute presentation.
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