From December the blue ‘compostable packaging’ bins will be permanently removed from UC’s campus.
Since 2014, the University has operated a separate waste collection stream for coffee cups and more recently, for other types of takeaway food packaging deemed “compostable”. These items have been sorted and sent off site to be composted with the rest of UC’s (and Ōtautahi Christchurch’s) green organic waste.
However, ongoing issues with the chemicals used in “compostable” packaging (which have been found to be increasingly harmful, even toxic, to soil) has meant that composting these sorts of items is unfortunately no longer feasible.
From now on, in line with forthcoming Ministry for Environment standards, all types of takeaway packaging (whether deemed “compostable” or not) will need to be put in the red landfill bins. This includes packaging marked as “bioplastic”.
Food, food scraps and organic waste placed in the green bins will continue to be composted.
What can you do?
Choose to Reuse!
We all need to work together to reduce our waste to landfill. The most sustainable option for enjoying takeaway food and drinks is to either bring your own cup/container, or if it’s possible to do so, dine in using reusable crockery.
Where to next?
From February 2024, UC will be seeing some new and positive changes to our waste system as we welcome the MfE’s new NZ-wide kerbside collection standards. These changes will help us improve the clarity and effectiveness of our waste collection on campus. Keep an eye out for more information on these changes coming soon.
Check out the UC Waste Plan 2022 – 2030 to learn more about UC’s waste reduction targets.