• Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga’s trial waste expansion service has stopped 11.2 tonnes of organic waste going to landfill and more than 21.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from being generated

The trial of a six-month waste expansion service targeting organic waste at Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga has stopped approximately 11.2 tonnes of organic waste ending up in landfill.

The organic waste saved during the trial waste service is enough to fill two average backyard swimming pools.

It has also prevented more than 21.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from being generated, which is the equivalent of taking five small cars off the road for a year.

The trial waste service was implemented in a number of central locations across the Albury-Wodonga campus in June 2019, and saw the introduction of a three-bin collection system, which included an organic waste bin, expanding on the campus’s original two-bin recycling and landfill system.

CSU Green Manager Mr Ed Maher said the University was delighted with the results, which demonstrate the recycling choices organisations make can have a significant impact on the environment.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to all aspects of sustainability, especially reducing the impact of our environmental footprint, and we are always looking to improve our sustainability efforts,” Mr Maher said.

“We are very happy with the results of the trial waste service after only six months, and are now looking to permanently introduce this system across all staff areas at the Albury-Wodonga campus in 2020, and trial it at other Charles Sturt University campuses.

“I would like to thank the University’s staff and students in Albury-Wodonga for their contribution to the success of the trial waste expansion service.

“It is thanks to your collective efforts that we have saved thousands of kilograms of waste from going into landfill and CO2e emissions from being generated.”

Charles Sturt worked with Cleanaway Waste Management to provide infrastructure and develop educational materials to implement the new system.

During the trial, Charles Sturt hosted education and information sessions for staff, displayed educational materials across the Albury-Wodonga campus, and introduced new eco-bins, kitchen caddies, compostable liners and outdoor collection bins.

CSU Green is Charles Sturt’s program and business area dedicated to driving forward the University’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.