Smart waste and recycling management are a pillar of our Environmental Sustainability approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss and support a thriving circular economy. At ANU, this is not just about managing what goes to the bin, it is about keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, recycling and composting.
When we make the most of every resource, we keep valuable materials out of landfill, reduce pollution and limit greenhouse gas emissions. Minimising consumption, reusing and recycling where possible and putting things in the right bin all support better environmental outcomes.
We are working to improve how we manage waste and recycling on campus by strengthening infrastructure and providing clearer guidance to help divert resources from landfill, reduce contamination of waste in recycling, make bin use simpler and build community confidence in correct disposal practices.
Be Bin Smart
ANU is introducing new waste and recycling streams across the Acton campus. A pilot of the new system was completed in the Marie Reay Teaching Centre in the first half of 2025, allowing us to incorporate key learnings into the program now underway. From August 2025, the new streams will be brought to other areas of campus in a staged rollout. Not every location will receive all five new streams (you may need to walk just a little bit to find a Food only bin, for example).
The new system includes up to five distinct bins to divert more materials from landfill, along with clear and updated signage designed to build confidence in disposal practices. Changing all the bins at ANU will take time and you may still see the old red/yellow setup around Campus for a while.
*Not all bin stations will have a Food Only or Paper and Cardboard bin.
As part of this rollout, ANU Green has developed new signage that can be downloaded along with the Be Bin Smart Toolkit.
Downloadable poster for 10c refund stream.
Downloadable poster for other recycling stream.
Downloadable poster for paper and cardboard stream.
Downloadable poster for landfill stream.
Downloadable poster for food only stream.
The Toolkit is designed to:
- Help our community understand what goes in each bin and provide more information about the rollout
- Provide examples of how you can participate in the program and help us improve waste and recycling practices at ANU
- Support events and activities with ready-to-use tools
Whether you are a student, staff member or visitor, this Toolkit offers practical tips, myth busting insights and downloadable resources to help you make confident disposal choices and play your part in creating a more sustainable campus.
How to use the toolkit
The Be Bin Smart Toolkit is designed to make smarter waste disposal easy, no matter where you are or what you’re doing on campus. Use the Toolkit to:
- Print and display posters and signage in kitchens, common areas and offices
- Educate your team and peers with ready-made slides, myth busting information and digital resources
- Plan waste-smart events using our signage
- Reduce confusion and build confidence in what goes where across the University’s waste and recycling management systems
Bin Appétit
Step into the colourful, chaotic and compost-splattered world of Bin Appétit, an interactive art exhibit that gives personality, passion and panache to your everyday waste bins. Bin Appétit is a part of the rollout of Be Bin Smart. The exhibit explores each bin’s “diet” - what it can and cannot digest – and invites you to rethink your disposal habits.
Temporarily popping up in locations across campus as areas receive the new bin setup, Bin Appétit brings the new bins to life with big personalities and strict dietary needs. Meet our quirky characters like Barry Stahr, Ten Cent, Lanny Fillmore, Chef Scrappe, Flex Gainnes and Paige Sheetz in toolkit above and our posters below.
Downloadable profile for other recycling stream.
Downloadable poster for paper and cardboard stream.
Downloadable profile for landfill stream.
Downloadable profile for food only stream.
Downloadable profile for coffee cup stream.
Downloadable profile for 10 cent refundables stream.
10 recycling and waste misconceptions at ANU
Even with the best intentions it can be difficult to get waste and recycling sorting right. Unfortunately, small mistakes can have a big impact, like sending entire bins to landfill.
We’ve explored ten misconceptions we often see on campus to help you be more bin smart. Click the link below to explore each misconception, facts and our top tips to reduce waste and increase resource recovery on campus.
Downloadable resources
10 waste misconceptions at ANU
Ten common recycling and waste misconceptions at ANU. Provides fiction, fact, and our top tips to reduce waste.
Five poster package from the Be Bin Smart Toolkit.
Waste Wise: Be Bin Smart Toolkit for ANU staff and students.
Waste Services and Support
Want to know more about recycling and waste in the ACT? Visit the ACT Government Recyclopaedia, your A to Z waste sorting guide.
The Campus Environment Division manages waste and recycling at ANU, including bin provision, signage, and collection across campus. If you notice a missing bin, need signage, have a query about waste collection or are planning an event that will generate extra waste, contact your Building Custodian or send an email to fixmycampus.fs@anu.edu.au to discuss management options.
Get Involved
Want to help make ANU a clearer, smarter, more sustainable campus? Here’s how you can take action:
- Join the ANU Green Network: Connect with staff and students who are championing sustainable practices in their areas.
- Be a bin signage champion: Display posters in your office, shared kitchen or common space. Not sure which ones you need? Start with the Toolkit or email anugreen@anu.edu.au.
- Help reduce ‘wishcycling’: Share the Top 10 Waste and Recycling Misconceptions with your residence, induction packs, or share in your team meetings.
- Lead by example: Small actions make a big difference. Sort it right, share a poster, ask questions and show others how easy it can be to Be Bin Smart.
- Join One Small Step for more sustainable and climate action ideas.