Let’s ‘Choose to Reuse’ and wipe out waste at Waurn Ponds
Sustainability is one of Deakin’s core values and reducing waste to landfill is embedded in our Sustainability Commitments 2020–30. But achieving real change takes all of us. To reach our goal of zero waste to landfill by 2030, we need your help.
We Choose to Reuse
This year, we’re launching a pilot program at our Waurn Ponds Campus that aims to eliminate waste generated by single-use plastics, takeaway cups and other disposable packaging. Market Hall, Barista Bar and Mr Tod will now use reusable crockery, cutlery and cups, which will be collected, washed and returned for reuse. This initiative is supported by Sustainability Victoria as part of the Single-use plastics ban campaign.
Across the three venues in 2023, we can save around 160,000 items of packaging from landfill (based on 2021 statistics). This includes:
- 100,000 disposable coffee cups
- 30,000 single-use plastic cutlery items
- 27,000 hot food containers
- 3000 salad containers.
How it will work
You’ll still be able to choose from the same food and beverage offerings at each venue – the only difference is that everything will be served using reusable crockery, cutlery and cups.
Choose to dine in or take the reusable items with you to enjoy our beautiful campus facilities, including the library, outdoor tables or a sunny patch of grass.
All reusable items will need to be returned to collection trolleys located in Market Hall, Barista Bar, the Library and JB Level 2. We encourage you to not only return your own but also to grab any reusable items you see around campus.
Other ways to play your part
Many simple actions can help us meet our sustainability goals. Things like choosing the right bin and travelling to campus by public transport, bike or foot are great ways to make a difference. Find out more about sustainability at Deakin.