Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo > Notices

Waste and Recycling Management Initiatives

8 March 2006

a. Plastic bag-free zone

From 2006 Monash University will aim to become a plastic bag free zone. This initiative has been approved by the Monash University Environmental Policy Committee and is supported by the Vice Chancellor. An article on this program is available from the Monash Memo website.

As part of this commitment Facilities and Services Clayton, in conjunction with Occupational Health Safety and Environment, have decided to eliminate the use of plastic bags throughout the cleaning services area. Over the period Oct 2004 - Nov 2005, Facilities and Services Clayton's cleaning services issued 50,600 plastic bags across the Clayton campus. These bags were distributed throughout offices, laboratories, kitchens, recycling facilities and external waste bins.

From 1 February 2006, all cleaning staff have been advised that they are to limit the use of plastic bags to only kitchen waste-to-landfill bins, co-mingled recycling bins and foyer bins where food and drinks are placed. All other areas will cease to have plastic liners placed in them. A paper liner will be placed in the bottom of a bin if required. We are also encouraging cleaning staff to remove any plastic liners placed in bins.

In relation to laboratory bins, there should not be any hazardous, liquid waste or loose powdered material placed in any general waste-to-landfill bins so removing plastic liners should not pose any problems. In cases where staff members feel the necessity to have a plastic liner placed in a particular bin, an assessment can be made of that specific need upon request.

Facilities and Services Clayton and OHSE have been sourcing information about the use of bio-degradable bags but at this point the cost of this venture is prohibitive.

b. Bin there, done that

Another program that is slowly being introduced at the Clayton campus is "Bin there done that". This program involves removing small waste bins from offices and replacing them with paper recycling boxes.

To accommodate the small amounts of hard waste produced, 'waste-to-landfill' bins will be placed centrally in main office areas.

This program further encourages recycling. Facilities and Services Clayton and OHSE have been participating in this program for the past 12 months and have reduced the amount of waste from 2 x 240lt bins down to half a 240lt bin per day. An article about this program can be found from the Monash Memo website.

Monash University is committed to protecting the environment and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by promoting recycling wherever possible. Your assistance and understanding of these programs is greatly appreciated.

If you require any further information about either of the programs above contact Mr. Arthur Brent, Manager Cleaning, Facilities and Services Clayton on +61 3 9905 4073, Ms Elana Welsh, Environmental Officer OHSE on +61 3 9905 9884 or Ms Kat Lavers, Green Office Coordinator OHSE on +61 3 9905 9060.