"Bin the bin"
A numer of years ago the University implemented a recycling scheme known as 'bin the bin'.
The idea of the "bin the bin" initiative is that there are recycling facilities throughout the workplace but staff do not have individual waste/desk bins and take their waste to a nearby recycling point where they can segregate their waste into different waste streams to maximise the amount that is recycled.
Recycling points include separate bins for plastic bottles, cans, glass (where possible) and general (non-recyclable) waste. This is in addition to the paper recycling boxes which should already be in most offices. Staff may have to walk to their nearest recycling point once or twice a day but this can easily be incorporated into their existing work routine. Staff can also have a small container on their desk for their waste but are required to empty this themselves at the nearest recycling point.
The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to think about the amount of waste they produce, as well as increasing the amount that is recycled. This is an idea that other Universities have adopted across their entire institution, with a corresponding increase in recycling.
For further information see the "useful information" box.
