Smart waste and recycling management is a key part of our Environmental Sustainability Plan. It supports climate action, protects biodiversity and strengthens our transition to a circular economy. Our goal is to avoid generating waste wherever possible and keep materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, recycling and composting, avoiding sending valuable resources to landfill.
To support this, we are in the process of introducing new recycling stations across the Acton campus. The new system includes up to four clearly labelled bins designed to increase recycling and reduce contamination. Updated signage supports simple, confident decision-making. Learn more about the 2025 pilot and initial rollout that informed this program.
Not every location will receive all streams. In some cases, you may need to walk a short distance to access a Food Only bin. During the transition, you may still see the previous red and yellow bin setup in some areas.
Be Bin Smart Toolkit
The toolkit includes practical guidance and downloadable signage to support the rollout of new waste and recycling streams across campus.
The Toolkit helps you:
- Understand what goes in each bin and how the rollout works
- Participate in the program and improve waste and recycling practices in your area
- Support your events and activities with ready-to-use be bin smart tools
You can use the Toolkit to:
- Display posters in kitchens, common areas and offices
- Educate teams and peers with ready-made slides and digital resources
- Plan waste-smart events with clear signage
- Reduce confusion and build confidence in what goes where across the University’s waste and recycling management systems
Whether you are a student, staff member or visitor, the Toolkit provides practical tips and downloadable resources to help you make confident disposal choices.
10 recycling and waste misconceptions at ANU
Even with good intentions, sorting waste can be confusing. Small mistakes can have significant consequences, including sending entire recycling loads to landfill.
We’ve identified ten misconceptions often seen on campus, along with practical tips to improve resource recovery.
Downloadable resources
Five poster package from the Be Bin Smart Toolkit.
Downloadable poster for clean recycling stream.
Downloadable poster for paper and cardboard stream.
Downloadable poster for landfill stream.
Downloadable poster for food only stream.
Downloadable poster for Be Bin Smart streams.
10 waste misconceptions at ANU
Ten common recycling and waste misconceptions at ANU. Provides fiction, fact, and our top tips to reduce waste.
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, require signage, have a waste collection query or are planning an event that will generate additional waste, contact your Building Custodian or email fixmycampus.fs@anu.edu.au to discuss management options.
Get Involved
Want to help make ANU a cleaner, smarter, more sustainable campus? Here’s how you can take action:
- Join the ANU Green Network:Connect with staff and students championing sustainability across the University.
- Be a bin signage champion: Display posters in your office or shared space. Start with the Toolkit or email anugreen@anu.edu.au.
- Help reduce ‘wishcycling’: Share the Top 10 Waste and Recycling Misconceptions in residences, induction materials or team meetings.
- Host a waste education session: Invite us to your local area for a hands-on activity, from our ‘Sort It Out’ magnetised board game to educational morning teas that build confidence and cut contamination. Email anugreen@anu.edu.au to express your interest.
- Lead by example: Small actions make a big difference. Sort it right, share a poster and show others how easy it can be to Be Bin Smart.