Office recycling program

In a time when maintaining hygiene and avoiding physical interaction is of the utmost importance, the new mini bins have the added benefit of minimising handling of waste other than your own personal waste. 

The Sustainability Office recommends that UQ staff adhere to the following measures in regards to desktop mini bins:

• Place your mini-bins under the desk
• Empty your mini bin at the end of each day, or more regularly depending on the amount of waste being generated.
• Regularly wash your mini bin.The mini bins are made of durable corrugated plastic, allowing them to be washed with soapy water or wiped with a disinfectant.
• Mini bins are made of high-quality and water-resistant materials designed to be durable and washable so that you can get as much use out of them as possible. They are designed to last the life of your office.

All food waste must be placed in the general (red) waste bins located in kitchen areas, as only these bins are serviced daily.

Alternatively, for locations with organics collection or locations participating in the Green Office Composting program, place compostible food waste in the organics collection bins.

Used paper goes into your under-desk paper recycling box. When full, you should empty the box into the paper wheelie bins located in your building.

To request an under-desk paper recycling box, log a 'waste' request in ARCHIBUS

Recycling

 Recyclable waste goes into the yellow bin:

• Plastic bottles and containers (including yoghurt and take-away containers)
• Glass bottles and jars
• Milk and juice cartons
• Disposable coffee cup lids

Paper Recycling

Paper waste goes into the under-desk paper recycling boxes (you will continue to empty these into the paper recycling wheelie bins located in your building):

• Clean or printed paper (no need to remove staples)
• White, coloured and glossy paper
• Magazines, newspapers and books
• Envelopes (including ones with plastic windows)

General waste

General waste goes into the red bins and then to landfill:

• Plastic bags, packaging, wrappers and straws
• Disposable coffee cups
• Styrofoam cups and containers
• Pens and pencils
• Tissues and paper towels
• Food scraps (where organics collection is not available)

The following items can also be recycled at UQ: 

• Batteries
• Cardboard and polystyrene
• E-waste
• Mobile phones
• Toners and inkjet cartridges 
• Soft plastic.

See UQ's Campus recycling program for information on how to arrange collection for these items.

To request an under-desk paper recycling box, log a 'waste' request in ARCHIBUS

The UQ Sustainability Office is committed to maintaining an environment that is accessible and inclusive to people of all abilities. If your work environment needs to be adjusted, or if you require an under-desk bin, please talk to your supervisor.