Removal of the compostable packaging bins

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.

Planned Power Outage for Elsie Locke

There will be a power outage in the Elsie Locke building on Saturday 2 December between 6.00am and 2.00pm.

Due to the replacement and installation of the mechanical switchboard, a complete power shutdown of the plantroom and mechanical equipment is required.

Before close of business Friday 1 December, Elsie Locke residents should prepare for the outage by: 

  • turning off IT equipment.
  • ensuring any UPS equipment is operating correctly.
  • arranging to shut down and reset any specialist equipment. 
  • if equipment in the building is alarmed, this will need to be reset also. 

Facilities Management (FM) Electricians will be onsite throughout this period to attend to any significant infrastructure issues. For more information, please email FMAssist@canterbury.ac.nz 

Ngā mihi,  

Te Ratonga Whakahaere Paenga | Facilities Management 

Scheduled Network Maintenance

What’s Happening?  
Digital Services Connectivity (Networks) team are replacing important network equipment that is going end of life. This change will occur over 4 nights between the hours of 6:00pm to 12:00am. 

How could this impact you? 
There will be brief rolling outages throughout the change window. Although each outage is short, it may intermittently disrupt services such as Internet Services and Learn.  

If you continue to experience any issues outside the change window, please log this with the Service Desk. 

Change Windows: 

  • Monday 4th December 6:00pm – 12:00am 
  • Tuesday 5th December 6:00pm – 12:00am
  • Monday 11th December 6:00pm – 12:00am 
  • Tuesday 12th December 6:00pm – 12:00am 

 Ngā mihi,  
Digital Services Connectivity Team 

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