FAQ

Mini-Bin Frequently Asked Questions

Its not part of my job to empty bins! That’s what cleaners are for.

The bin can be emptied at one of the many times you leave your desk during the week. It is everyone’s job on campus to reduce waste, recycle more and protect the environment and this is one of the ways that you can be a great help in achieving these aims. Cleaners will still be emptying recycle bins and other bins in your office as well as having a small amount of more time to concentrate on more important cleaning tasks.

I am a senior manager/high level person and should not have to waste time dealing with emptying bins.

The cooperation of all levels of staff in this important program to reduce waste and recycle more is essential. Leadership shown from senior management is greatly appreciated.

What is the point of this Mini-Bin program?The aim of the program is to reduce waste and recycle more by making it less easy for people to just throw all of their waste into a rubbish bin. The Mini-Bin program has been successful in 3 other universities in increasing recycling. By increasing recycling we reduce waste to landfill, support a recyclables industry, reduce the amount of raw material plus energy & water needed to make a new product & reduce greenhouse gas emissions – there are a huge list of environmental benefits! Also 100,000 bin liners will not have to be purchased or go to landfill every year.

I don’t want rubbish sitting on my desk.

Feel free to place you Mini-Bin under your desk if you wish.

I don’t know what I can and can’t recycle.

The rule of thumb is that paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium & steel cans can be recycled in your recycle bin. It is very important that staff remember that food cannot be recycled in recycle bins. Please avoid contaminating the bins with these items.

The Mini-Bin is too small for all of my rubbish!

90% of waste produced in the office is made up of items that can be recycled. On campus we have a commingled (mixed) recycling program that means most waste produced in the office can be recycled. If your bin is filling rather quickly with large disposable items then simply dispose of them in the central bin when you leave your desk. Reconsider using takeaway coffee cups – take your own thermal mug instead.

The Mini-Bin will get dirty when I put messy items and food waste in there and I don’t have time to clean it.

Bin liners will not be provided for Mini-Bins so it is recommended that messy smelly food items should be placed immediately in the central waste bin. This should always be the case anyway so work colleagues are not bothered by food odours. Some staff have lined their bin with a paper lunch bag or plastic bag that they reuse. You can rinse your Mini-Bin when needed much like you do your coffee cup.

I need to order more bins.

Contact recycle@uwa.edu.au / ext 4265 or order online at http://www.fm.uwa.edu.au/about/sustainability/campus_operations/waste_and_recycling/office_recycling/bin_order_form