Tertiary institutions produce a large and varied waste stream in relatively high-density urban environments. By separating waste and establishing recycling systems, campuses can reduce their environmental footprint and make considerable financial savings. Recycling materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, metal and glass not only reduces waste to landfill but provides a vital resource for the production of further goods, and makes the production of goods much more energy efficient when compared to manufacturing products from raw materials. For example recycling plastic PET bottles is 84% more efficient than manufacturing PET from raw materials. Other natural resources are also saved through recycling. For example one tonne of recycled paper or cardboard saves about 13 trees and 31,780 litres of water. Tertiary institutions are large producers of computer and other electronic waste which if not recycled contribute significantly to landfill pollution.
Significant cost savings can be made through recycling, especially heavy waste such as paper and cardboard through the reduction of landfill disposal costs. An often-untapped potential for savings in the tertiary sector is the construction and demolition waste stream, which has a high quantity of recyclable materials. Strategies for universities to promote innovative waste management include the installation of recycling infrastructure, education and awareness programs for staff and students, and coordination with project managers overseeing building and refurbishment projects.
Recycling and promoting better waste management is an accessible and highly visible environmental issue that every member of the campus community can be involved in.
