Plastic Free Dining

Single use plastics are going, going, gone

With over 50,000 students across UNSW campuses, we collectively have an impact on the world around us. As a part of our continuing commitment to be a sustainable university and aligned with our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24, UNSW Estate Management is proud to introduce Plastic Free Dining.  

We estimate that over 3 million single-use plastic items are used by retailers across Kensington campus each year which equates to around 12% of our  total general waste by weight. 
But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why we're introducing Plastic Free Dining!

 

What is Plastic Free Dining?

Plastic Free Dining is all about achieving three major sustainability goals over the next two years: 
  • 100% of single-use packaging recyclable or compostable

  • Eliminate problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging

  • Reduce consumption of single-use coffee cups and water bottles

How will we do it?

  • Working with UNSW food and drink retailers to switch to fully compostable single use packaging  

  • UNSW students and staff are encouraged to dine in and BYO cups, containers and utensils to campus

  • A new three bin system means we will now sort waste into food waste (and compostable packaging), drink containers, and general waste to help us recycle better! 

How can you help?

  • Eat well, feel good. Dine in on campus or bring your own containers. 

  • Get it in the right bin. Make sure you check the signs and put your waste in the right place. If in doubt, put it in the RED bin

  • Join the plastic free movement! There are many other ways you can eliminate single use plastics in daily life.

How Can You Help?

Contact us at sustainability@unsw.edu.au or browse through our website for more information on environmental sustainability at UNSW.