Waste Performance
Annual Waste Generation
The Annual Waste Performance graph shows our annual waste generation data for the last 5 calendar years. The data for the current year is updated quarterly.
Each year's generation data are divided into the following streams:
- Landfill (general waste)
- Reuse
- Recovery
- Recycling
- Incineration
What makes up our waste and recycling at La Trobe?*
- General Waste - this waste goes into an open hole in the ground where trash is buried, organic matter discomposes but without oxygen causing it to leak out as methane which has 25 times greater impact on the environment
- Recycling - these items are broken down, close to their original form and then remade into similar items and can include comingled recycling, secure paper, cardboard, steel, and E-waste
- Reuse - these items, such as furniture, are repurposed to give them a new life and reducing the need for new items
- Recovery - chemical waste from our labs is recovered and used for other purposes
- Incineration - chemical waste from our labs is burnt to reduce its environmental impact
How can you help us minimise your waste impact?
Organic waste
Did you know that organic waste is a significant amount of what makes up of our landfill waste and often contaminates our recycling, causing it to go to landfill where it creates methane gas which has 25 times greater impact on the environment.
At the Melbourne and Bendigo Campuses, we collect organic waste from our cafes, kitchens and public spaces. Our green organic waste bins are located in various places at each of the Campuses for you to dispose of your organic waste, which is then processed in an industrial dehydrator which converts it into a nutrient-rich organic soil enhancer for our campus gardens! We are currently assessing a correct tracking method to record the dehydrated soil enhancer to be included in our future waste reporting.
Help us recycle better by disposing of your organic waste in the green bins. Find out more about our organic waste recycling.
What can you do at home?
What you can and can't recycle varies depending on where you live. It's best to contact your local council to find out how you can recycle better.
Follow the waste management hierarchy as a way of tackling waste:
Avoid
- Purchase food and cleaning products in bulk using reusable containers or cloth bags
- Use water bottles and keep cups
Reuse
- Repair items such as clothes or donate them to a second-hand shop where can also purchase clothes
Recycling
- Ensure you are recycling correctly to avoid contamination.
Recovery
- Food and garden (green lidded bins) collections are being rolled out across the state to every council. Ask your local council if you can get a green bin today!
You can also visit Sustainability Victoria’s page to find our council and their recycling and waste services, as they differ council to council on what you can and can’t out into your bin.
Our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our work reducing waste and increasing our reuse and recycling contributes to the following sustainable development goals.