Go Greener

Go Greener

Getting it right – bin labels at SCEGGS                                       

Between September 2020 and September 2021, SCEGGS removed 74,130 kilograms of waste through our commercial bin system. This equates to about 70.6 kilograms of waste per student and staff in the school for the year. Of this waste, 55,070 kilograms were recycled while 19,060 kilograms went to landfill.  These figures do not include any special collections the school organises for such things as metal, e-waste, removal of old furniture etc.

To combat our waste going to landfill, the Maailma and EnviroGirls committees have been working for the past year on creating bin labels explicating detailing what goes into each bin. We surveyed girls and staff about the perceived problem waste items and came up with “must have” list of images for the labels. Katrina Monaghan, from Quayclean, the School’s cleaners, worked through the various drafts until we were pleased with the final product. These labels were installed at the end of the holidays and already we are seeing some improvement in the sorting of waste correctly.

There have been several changes on how we should think about waste at SCEGGS:

  • It is crucial to make sure all food goes into the organic bin. This is known as the wet waste. For example, tomato sauce containers should be emptied into this bin before putting the single use plastic container into the mixed recycling bin.
  • The organic bin now takes all our compostable single use containers. This is sent to Wollongong to an industrial composter for processing.
  • The mixed recycling bin is now referred to as the dry waste bin. It is important to empty out all liquids from smoothie containers, bottles, coffee cups purchased from outside the school and cans before placing items in this bin. All soft plastics and items such as foil can go in this bin.
  • We have labelled the landfill bin with the slogan “If you do not know where to put your rubbish, place it in this bin” to stop potential contamination of the other bins. Having a picture of landfill on the front of the bin is a reminder of where this type of waste will end up.

So, what small things can you do to help reduce our waste at SCEGGS?

  • Think about what you bring into the school. Eg, pack your lunch in reusable containers which go home to be washed; bring your keep cup when buying coffee or smoothies outside the school; if bringing an item for a class party, have it in a reusable container; remember to bring your knife and fork instead of picking up disposable ones from the cafeteria.
  • Take the time to sort your waste correctly. The four waste stream bins should be together in various areas of the school. If they are missing let the maintenance team know.

 

Lost Property

When lost property was cleaned out last year there were numerous unclaimed keys.

If you own any of the keys, could you please email Suezipfinger@sceggs.nsw.edu.au. If they are not claimed they will be sent for metal recycling.

 

Sue Zipfinger
Sustainability Co-ordinator