UWS Recycling and Waste Initiatives

What can I recycle at UWS

UWS offers a range of recycling services including paper and cardboard (opens in a new window) (PDF, 346Kb), co-mingled (opens in a new window) (PDF, 253Kb), fluorescent globe, printer cartridges, green waste, e-waste and scrap metal.

Please let us know of any recycling initiatives your office is involved in, such as the Office of Engagement and their worm farm (PDF, 88Kb).

UWS is currently streamlining its waste collection services (opens in a new window) (PDF, 70Kb) with a view to decreasing waste to landfill and increase recycling rates.

SURF Projects

The Sustainable UWS Rolling Fund (surf) program funds sustainability projects that are developed, managed and implemented by UWS staff and students.

SURF Worm Wee For Sustainability
An initiative from the Office of Engagement - Saving 1 tonne of food waste/year along with saving 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions

SURF Pulpmaster Hawkesbury Food Science Organic Waste To Energy Pilot
Installation of a Pulpmaster system on a 3 year pilot in Food Science at Hawkesbury. This system will take all food waste and some biowaste and covert via an anaerobic digestic into green electricity.

Student Residence Recycling Competition

More than 1000 students in all UWS student residences are now involved in an intercampus recycling program and it is neck and neck to see who is the best. Read more on Student Resident Recycling competition (PDF, 73Kb)

Mobile Phone Recycling

UWS sends its old mobile phones to Mobile Muster for recycling. Mobile Muster is the main recycling program for corporate/business initiative of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association. Mobile Muster crushes the phones and the components are recycled. In 2009 UWS contributed to the planting of native trees to restore precious Cumberland Woodlands in western Sydney just by recycling their old phones. There is a Mobile Muster recycle bin in the IT labs on each campus for staff and students to recycle any mobile phone or accessories or you can send them to Carol Moonie.

Close the Loop

The University is committed to the sustainable operation of its business. In line with this, many of the universities units/schools and offices are utilising the free services of Close the Loop (open in a new window) (PDF, 163kb).

Disposal of Computer Equipment 

Privately owned equipment can be recycled through outside businesses, please see your local government website for further details (Penrith City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Bankstown City Council, Holroyd City Council, Blacktown City Council, Parramatta City Council).

Information Technology Procurement (ITP) coordinates the disposal of University owned (non-leased) IT assets. If you have e-waste in your unit that requires disposal, please follow the steps required to organise pick up of obsolete equipment. 

Cartridge Recycling

Cartridge recycling is available through Corporate Express and their partners at Cart Collect. Toner cartridges can be easily recycled by dropping them into a specially marked box when they run out. Cart Collect will then collect, sort and dispose of them in an environmentally responsible manner. For every full box collected, Cart Collect will also make a $2 donation to Landcare Australia to be put towards environmental projects across Australia. Collection boxes can be ordered through Corporate Express at no charge using the code 86661340. For more information visit Cart Collect or speak to your Account Manager.