Polytechnic refines its rubbish recycling system

Aoraki Polytechnic property services manager Roger Luscombe stands beside some of the new recycling bins placed around the polytechnic.
Aoraki Polytechnic property services manager Roger Luscombe stands beside some of the new recycling bins placed around the polytechnic.
Aoraki Polytechnic has said goodbye to a recycling system that was "rubbish", welcoming new recycling bins for people to sort their litter.

Until Thursday last week, the polytechnic's cleaners separated the rubbish from bins for general waste in the classrooms and offices, Aoraki Polytechnic property services manager Roger Luscombe said.

He said this system was ineffective, and upgrading the system was a "smarter way to go".

Now, every classroom and office had two bins - a red bin for waste and a yellow bin for recyclables.

There are also about nine groups of three bins around the polytechnic, between classrooms and offices, which each include a green bin for compost.

It would now be easier for cleaners to move the rubbish from these bins to the recycling bins for metal, cardboard and paper.

"The onus is now on students and staff. It's straightforward," Mr Luscombe said.

Timaru District Council provided all of the bins free of charge, and very quickly, after it was approached by Mr Luscombe.

"It was good of them. A lot of rubbish comes out of this place a week. It's a good idea to break it down," he said.

Aoraki Polytechnic had been recycling for about four years, Mr Luscombe said.

- Cerisse Denhardt