Avoiding single-use items where possible and choosing reusable alternatives is always the first step. When that is not possible, sorting materials correctly helps ensure they can be recovered and recycled effectively.
At ANU, improving sorting and reducing contamination is an important part of our circular economy approach. We are working to reduce the waste we send to landfill and increase our recycling rates. Read more about our waste and recycling strategy.
One way we are making recycling easier and more effective on campus is through our partnership with Return-It, the ACT Government’s container deposit scheme (CDS). Our first CDS machine was installed in the Marie Reay Teaching Centre (MRTC) in March 2023.
CDS machines accept eligible glass, plastic and metal drink containers marked with a 10c refund label. These containers are sorted by material type and sent directly to specialised recycling facilities, increasing the likelihood they are turned into new products. When you return eligible containers at MRTC, the 10 cents per container is donated to support environmental initiatives.
Eligible containers
Eligible containers include those with a ‘10c’ refund mark on the label* such as:
- Aluminum or steel cans
- Cartons
- Bottles
Non-eligible** containers include:
- Milk and juice containers
- Plastic take-away containers
- Glass bottles and jars
- coffee lids
*Most containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible. However, please note that certain containers, such as Yakult bottles, carry the ‘10c’ symbol but are not eligible under the ACT CDS (they are eligible in other states or territories).
**Non-eligible containers may be eligible to be recycled in the yellow bins. Be sure to remove all solids and rinse bottles and containers to remove contamination. For more information on what can be recycled on our campuses, check this comprehensive list.
Have questions about what is eligible? Use the ACT CDS container eligibility search tool to find out more information.
Our progress
In 2023, our community returned 11,327 containers, equating to $1,101.90 of donations.
By returning these containers, our community:
- Diverted 793 kilograms of waste from landfill
- Avoided 1,640 kilograms of carbon emissions
- Saved 17,600 megajoules of energy
- Saved 78,700 litres of water
In 2024, our community returned 18,896 containers, equating to $1,8257.57 in donations.
By returning these containers our community has:
- Diverted 1,320 kilograms of waste from landfill
- Avoided 2,740 kilograms of carbon emissions
- Saved 29,300 megajoules of energy
- Saved 126,000 litres of water
Working or studying in a building that does not recycle a specific type of waste? Planning an event that will generate extra waste? Contact your Building Custodian or send an email to fixmycampus.fs@anu.edu.au to discuss waste management options.