Resource efficiency
Goal: Conserve resources by reducing consumption, prioritising reuse and managing waste responsibly.
Why this matters
University campuses and activities are significant consumers of energy, water, and other natural resources. Our 'Resource efficiency' theme includes programs to optimise energy and water efficiency of buildings, promote reuse over single use and improve our recycling systems.
By minimising waste and improving waste systems and behaviours, we aim to conserve natural resources, minimise contamination, make cost savings and support sustainable waste management practices amongst our students and staff.
What we are doing
- Optimising the energy and water efficiency of buildings
- Improving our recycling systems
- Promoting behaviours that avoid waste and conserve natural resources (re-use over single-use)
Our progress to date
- Implemented a range of energy and water efficiency initiatives including smart building systems, optimising controls and settings to improve user comfort and energy efficiency.
- Developed and launched a plan to phase out single-use plastics from campus retail dining services.
- Installed water refill stations at Kensington and Paddington campuses to increase access to potable water on campus and reduce single use water bottles.
- Launched a furniture reuse program to ensure that office furniture is reused wherever possible.
2025: Updated waste systems for improved recycling
To make recycling easier and reduce contamination, UNSW has updated waste bins and signage in offices and outdoor areas.
Why this change?
In 2024, Estate Management updated UNSW’s Waste Management Plan to improve waste sorting, reduce contamination, increase landfill diversion, and comply with NSW EPA regulations for food organics recycling.
Two key updates prompted these changes:
- NSW EPA food organics restrictions: compostable packaging and paper towels are no longer allowed in food organics bins.
- 2024 Waste audit results showed high contamination rates in recycling bins, highlighting a need for clearer instructions to recover more resources and keep waste out of landfill.
What is changing indoors?
- New food waste (green) bins: 7-litre food caddies replace the larger 60-litre burgundy bins for collecting food scraps, coffee grounds, and unpackaged food (Kensington and Paddington campuses).
- General waste (red) bins: food packaging, including compostable, and napkins should now go in red general waste bins.
- Updated bin labels: new signage on red, yellow, green, and blue bins makes it easier to sort waste correctly. (If your office hasn’t received updated signage, contact sustainability@unsw.edu.au)
What is changing outdoors?
Due to changes in food organics regulations, outdoor bins now follow a two-bin system:
- Drink container (white) smart bins: For uncrushed plastic bottles, drink cans, glass bottles or juice boxes with barcodes. These items are recycled through the Return and Earn program.
- General waste (red) bins: For all other waste, including compostable packaging. The bin contents is sorted at a material recovery facility.
Kensington campus sustainability map
Find sustainability points of interest on campus with this interactive map.
How you can help
Everyone at UNSW plays a crucial role in reducing waste. Help us get it in the right bin by checking the new signs before disposing of your waste.
What goes where: UNSW waste guide
Discover campus indoor and outdoor bin systems and learn where your waste goes after disposal. Remember, the best waste is no waste!
Reduce waste and reuse at UNSW
Discover tips to reduce waste on campus and explore reuse programs to support your waste-free journey.
Recycle effectively at UNSW
Explore campus recycling systems and help us divert waste from landfills.